Worth seeing!!

Rating: 10/10 (5 June 2005)

This is a rich, poignant, full movie - full of real people, real life scenarios, real history, REALLY good performances and wonderful sets and camera work. I saw it yesterday afternoon and I am still affected by the sheer heart and soul of it. And, as Ron Howard can so magically do, I am still feeling a connection with the historical characters he brings to life on screen, such as in "Apollo 13" and "A Beautiful Mind". They linger in my mind as if I just spent a wonderful evening talking intimately with them over a few glasses of wine. Maybe it's because he deals with emotions in a direct and unsentimental fashion, and yet his respect for the human heart shines through. I dunno. I just know that I was deeply touched by this film from start to finish.
Also, I am so pleased to finally see Russell Crowe playing a decent man (not a bully, a madman or a gladiator) in a major motion picture that mainstream America will see. Anyone who hasn't seen his delicate and convincing work in "Proof" and "The Sum of Us" (both Australian releases) still don't have a clue about this man's range and the depth of character he can somehow bring to his roles. Between his reputation as a bar brawler and the powerhouse characters he is famous for, not many Americans know this side of the man. The heart, decency and love inside of Jim Braddock comes through so convincingly that you ache for him ~ you can feel every punch, every indignity, every moment of despair as if he were sitting next to you. And yet, you CARE so darn much, you can't turn away.
And Paul Giamatti (sp?) is incredible ~ funny, human, caring, cocky. This simply MUST be the year the Academy finally recognizes his work. His chemistry with Russell's character is very touching ~ even more so that with Renee Zellwegger (who does a credible job as the anxious wife.) This is a 'must see' because it will surely be talked about in the upcoming awards season. And see it on the big screen. The action is too good to miss.