Best boxing movie ever made

Rating: 8/10 (22 October 2002)

"But what about Raging Bull?" I hear you cry. "Surely Ali is better?" Others may say. Well maybe. But for me this is simply the best boxing movie ever. If it wasn't for Bull Durham and Escape to Victory (only joking), this would probably be the greatest sporting film too.
People think of this film and remember the sequels, the original is far more. There are no genetically modified Russians, no A-team members and his trainer and girlfriend/wife manage to make it through the film without dying or getting pregnant. This film is about one man fighting to make something of his life. I'm not going tell you the plot - most of you will know it anyway. Sufficed to say though, this film does not take the easy way out. This film is not about becoming world champion, it's about determination and guts. I know the fight scenes are hardly realistic, but neither are most professional heavyweight contests these days.
If you haven't seen this film please give it a chance. Stallone can act, and the plot is not as predictable as you may think.