Wonderful film of the best of the human spirit

Rating: 10/10 (31 May 2005)

Let's get one thing out of the way right off...this isn't a movie about boxing. This is a movie about family, about the real responsibilities of being a parent, about meeting those responsibilities. Yes, boxing is the canvas and it is presented with no romance or softness. But the focus of this film is Jim Braddock and his wife Mae and how they faced and triumphed as a family in the face of horrible challenges. It has heart, humor and horror of life on the edge. The acting is uniformly superb. Russell Crowe once again shows his mastery of the small moment, the subtle facial expressions, the power of the eyes. Rene Zellwegger rises to his challenge and puts in a surprisingly restrained and powerful performance as his partner in life. Their children are allowed to be children, not sassy Hollywood smart mouths. While many in the supporting roles shine, Paul Giamatti is brilliant as manager Joe Gould. He and Russell create a rapport the likes of Hope and Crosby. This is a movie for adults and those with adult sensibilities. If all you want is special effects, pass this by. If you want a thrilling piece of entertainment that will transport you to another time and place, if you want acting at its best, this is the movie for you.