Crowe is once again great

Rating: 9/10 (26 June 2006)

Russell Crowe once again gives an A performance as real life boxer, James J Braddock. Renee Zellweger also does a good job as his wife. Braddock lost about everything during the great depression and he struggles to put food on the table for the couples 3 kids. His boxing license gets taken away because he just isn't delivering entertaining bouts. He is forced to work at the docks and beg for money. Then his luck changes; his old manager comes by asking him to take a fight at last minute notice. Of course, he jumps at the chance to make a little money, and he wins. His left hand has become more powerful from all the hard work at the docks. He keeps winning fights and gets a chance at the champ, Max Baer.
His story is about triumph during the depression. He is an inspiration for the down trodden, who are rooting for him. If someone who was in the red could come back to be heavy weight champion, it gave hope to all. That is the message of the story. Very similar to the race horse story, Sea biscuit.
But, it is a good story, great acting, and beautiful imagery. The film makers capture the early 30s look.
FINAL VERDICT: Everyone should watch this. It's not just a boxing movie, it's an emotional drama.