Emotional Driven Boxing Film

Rating: 8/10 (8 August 2015)

Even with its predictable plot throughout the entire film, it is well crafted thanks to the balanced mixed of its own drama and the bloody fist fighting sequences. While it offers nothing fresh, it is a production that leads audiences going through characters study, each and every consequences of their acts, as well as a journey to finding back the strength that has been masked by protagonist's self- centered behavior and arrogance. The main asset of the film is definitely Jake Gyllenhaal himself who has incredibly executing the bad tempered, brutal and depressing characteristics of Billy Hope. James Horner has done an amazing job in composing the scores which intensify the emotional engagement and dark moments faced by the characters especially in one of the impressive scene when Oona Laurence who played Leila blaming the fault of her dad. Other than the boxing theme, audiences might have seen the story for times but the inspiring messages such as we couldn't control everything in our lives and God always has a plan to teach us a lesson are worth for a watch.