The only regret I have about this film is that I did not see it in theaters.

Rating: 9/10 (3 September 2011)

Though "The Fighter" presents itself as another boxing movie, it has much more to offer. The story's focus is Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg), who dreams of winning a boxing title. The plot includes the relationships with his bartender girlfriend (Amy Adams), his brother Dicky (Christian Bale), his mother (Melissa Leo) and the remaining members of his family. Despite Wahlberg being the lead, the supporting cast steals the show.
Both Bale and Leo won Oscars for their performances. Having seen this, both thoroughly deserved them. I've seen Bale in many movies, dating back to when he was a kid. He has really grown up and engulfed himself into his character, which goes on a path of drug abuse, prison, and later redemption. His character is a jerk to the core, yet he builds sympathy for his character. He's hard not to like; he's funny, charming, and knows how to throw a good punch.
Like Bale, Leo adds quite a few layers to her character. Rather than following the one- dimensional villainous mother, she comes off as someone to pity rather than despise. She does what she thinks is right for her son Micky, but she's so blinded by this that she fails to realize what he really wants. "The Fighter" could very easily have fallen into the category of a soap opera (and to a degree it is), but it so much better and more believable via such powerful performances.
David O. Russel has made a well-done masterpiece. "The Fighter" will make you laugh a lot. It will engage and move you. And it may even make some cry. The only regret I have about this film is that I did not see it in theaters. Even so, I am glad that I viewed this film, and I will definitely watch it again in the future.