What a film about boxing should be

Rating: 10/10 (26 February 2019)

The story about the chaotic and troubled family while a boxer gets his big shot at the title is pretty standard flare in this sub-genre. The story centering on the strained relationship between two (ex)boxers who are brothers goes where you expect it to go, but the script takes a few unexpected paths to get there. The subplot of Dicky being the subject of a documentary and his trouble with the law changes the arrangement of the boxing story beats just enough to make the story seem really fresh. It is a very engaging tale; Dicky is such a larger than life character and Micky is such an every man that pairing really works.
The direction is remarkably fresh too. The cinematography in the boxing scenes has a dull video quality to it that makes it really feels like it is the 90's and the fake boxing scenes blend well with the actual archival footage used. Furthermore, Russell keeps the camera alive and some of his staging enriches the generational trouble aspect of the story. There is a very tough working class vibe to this film that utterly fits.
The main strength of the film is the acting. I think this is Bale's best performance. He is utterly believable as Dicky; the pain of promise wasted is all over his face. It is a remarkable transfiguration of Bale, both physically, emotionally. Amy Adams really shines in a thankless role of a supportive girlfriend and Leo is just perfect as the tough as nails mother. But to me the real standout is Wahlberg. He is the calm center of the story and he gives a greatly understated performance that fits the every man quality of Mickey. He is the straight man that allows the other flashy performance to work by bouncing off him. It is just a great performance all around.
I very much like this film.