Fighting Family divides and unites over boxing

Rating: Null/10 (27 July 2011)

This movie is based on a true story where the viewer sees the dynamics of a family which lives and breathes for boxing and for the two brothers who carry their hopes. The two brothers, Dickie and Mickey Ward of Lowell, Massachusetts, are performed by Christian Bale and Mark Wahlberg. Christian Bale as Dickie Ward is the older brother who is unable to focus his tremendous energy and this leads to crack addiction, uncontrolled behavior and time in prison. Mickey Ward is the younger brother who wants a better life and has the self-discipline to make it happen. He breaks off from his brother and mentor and when the older brother returns from prison, he is unwilling to rehire him as his coach. His mother (Melissa Leo) and sisters fly into a rage, taking the older brother's side against Mickey and his girlfriend, played by Amy Adams. Mickey, out of family loyalty, takes his brother back as coach to prepare for a fight for the world welterweight championship. Mickey is a human punching bag and a glutton for punishment but smart enough to keep his hands up and to know that if he wears the other guy down, he can land the killer punch. There are several farcical scenes in this family's war with one another. The cast is outstanding and the boxing scenes make us feel like we have ringside seats. A fine boxing movie with human drama, I like this movie and would gladly watch it again.