The Fighter Film Review

Rating: 9/10 (29 March 2011)

The Fighter is the story of "Irish" Micky Ward, and his unlikely journey to win the world welterweight title. Throughout the story, Ward battles many problems such as a drug-addicted older half-brother with illusions of grandeur. He also battles an extremely unsupportive family of 6 sisters and a self-absorbed mother. The Fighter is a testimony to all the hard work and sacrifice left in the ring by Micky Ward. This film is about overcoming adversity and rising to your full potential. The Fighter is directed by David O. Russell, a moderately inexperienced director who made a name for himself in the 90's with movies such as Three Kings. The character of Micky Ward is played by Mark Wahlberg, a successful actor/producer who has starred in movies such as Boogie Nights and The Other Guys. He has also produced many famous TV series, such as Entourage and In Treatment. In the past, Wahlberg has been criticized for being a minor actor in a major role, such as his role in Boogie Nights. Many critics say that he gives an average performance while other actors steal the show. This was mainly the case in The Fighter. Wahlberg did a great job depicting Ward as a potentially great fighter trapped under the controlling influence of his parents, but he didn't give an award winning performance. He stepped to the side while Christian Bale stole the show. Christian Bale played Dicky Eklund, Mickey Ward's half-brother and mentor. Bale has starred in many great movies, including The Prestige, American Psycho, and The Dark Knight. Dicky Eklund is a character with many problems, all caused by his embarrassing loss to Sugar Ray Leonard in 1978. After he lost this fight, Dicky developed a chronic crack edition, and started distorting the facts of his one great moment of fame. Bale gives an outstanding performance as Dicky, and I personally guarantee that he will win Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars on February 27th. Christian Bale prepared for this role by nearly starving himself to death to achieve the gaunt appearance of Dicky Elrund. Bale has been extremely dedicated to this role from the beginning, beating out actors like Matt Damon and Brad Pitt to get the part. Because of this dedication, Bale should definitely win Best Supporting Actor this February.