Multi-stranded drama, well performed but ultimately unconvincing

Rating: 7/10 (27 November 2011)

The onion skin layers of human reality are brilliantly teased out in this drama, from the competing strong females in Micky's life, to the jealousy within families, how people are driven to fight for survival, and the simple actions that lead to success over the complexities that thwart. And because there is so much good acting on view (the female elements in Micky's life are all brilliantly portrayed) apart from Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale, and the excellent Melissa Leo, the drama is very compelling.
Although this is about a part of a boxer's career the boxing strands do not outweigh the drama outside the ring, which is good because the boxing is what, in my opinion, ultimately lets the film down. Let me explain a little further without spoiling the plot. There is considerable evidence within the film of Micky's good nature, his loyalty, and his strength of character but there is also a great deal of his weaknesses on show too. There is an attempt to transfer this personality to the boxing ring and it does not, for me, work.
It is still a very watchable and enjoyable piece of drama, but the intended "feel good" ending is out of keeping with the excellence that has gone before.
I award it seven out of ten for the superb acting but as a film it is not up there with the best.