Engaging and interesting from beginning to end

Rating: Null/10 (4 February 2011)

The Fighter is a fascinating true story about Family. This particular family are working class Irish American and the brothers are boxers. The main interest in this film is to see an absolutely frightening method acting performance from Christian Bale that is both unnerving and Oscar worthy. He plays the elder brother who had the talent but ruined his life through addiction to crack. Wahlberg plays his younger brother who fights in the shadows of his older brother's charisma and powerful presence but finally breaks through to fight 'in Micky's corner'. The story shows the power of family ties and how they can build and destroy. Wahlberg is believable and excellent in his role and Amy Adams gives her best performance to date. The chemistry of the love story between Adams and Wahlberg's characters is really special. I am not a boxing fan but The Fighter really draws you in to the world of these two brothers and their journey together and the turmoils they overcome to find their respective paths. All the supporting actors and their performances make this film an amazing story of human frailty and the strength of family ties. It also provides a social comment about the tough world of American inner city suburbs and their 'fight' for identity. A really fantastic film and worth seeing.