Knocked out

Rating: 9/10 (31 January 2011)

Not having read anything about the film, but attracted by the fact that it was a David O. Russell's movie, based loosely on a real life story involving two half-brothers that have spent time in the boxing ring, we decided we had to see it. Having enjoyed the director's wonderful "Three Kings", "Flirting With Disaster", and "Spanking the Monkey", was enough to sell us into going. We were pleasantly surprised by what it turned out to be one of the best films of the year.
The brothers from depressed Lowell, Massachussets, are at the center of the story. Dicky Eklund is the older brother, and Mickey Ward the youngest. Dicky boxing career took a turn for the worst when he fell prey to drugs that almost ruined his life. Mickey Ward wanted to follow his brothers into the ring, but he was considered not to have what it took in order to make it into the big fights.
The brothers have a powerful mother in Alice, who, in addition, has raised seven other girls that are part of the dysfunctional family. Dicky's addiction takes a heavy toll on him; not only is he a loser, he is a mess. Mickey, on the other hand, realizes his brother was a great fighter who was able to win over Sugar Ray Leonard, but crack smoking got in his way. Mickey worshiped his brother and knew he needed him on his side if he wanted to make a name for himself.
Mickey sets his eye in putting Dicky's excellent style to use, if he wants to make it all the way to the top. Having fallen for Charlene, the tough bartender at the bar he frequents, he angers Alice, who cannot take the young woman with a mind of her own. Charlene has been around the neighborhood to know the family secrets. Mickey decides to accept the offer to train in Las Vegas, backed by a professional team, but in doing so, he realizes he needs Dicky more than he thought.
The best thing in the film is the way Mr. Russell got the stellar performances out of his strong cast. Christian Bale is a chameleon; he gets into Dicky Eklund with relish in one of his best appearances in film. The wonderful Mellissa Leo makes Alice come to life in all her glory. We have known women like her; she makes us believe she is none other than the mother who is champion for the sport of boxing, as well as a supporter for her children. The real surprise in the picture is Amy Adams, who up to now has played naive and uncomplicated characters in her movie career. As Charlene, she shows a remarkable strength going out of type to give one of her best displays as an actress in any of her films. Mark Wahlberg, unfortunately plays the weakest role and he is outdone by his cast members.
The production was vividly photographed by Hoyte Van Hoytema who captures the excitement of the bouts as well as the poverty of Lowell. Mark Wahlberg ought to be congratulated in the way he has backed several worthwhile projects, as well as being one of the producers of this amazing film. David O. Russell keeps surprising with each new effort.