Not just about boxing!

Rating: 7/10 (18 May 2011)

I watched this film with high expectations in view of all the academy award nominations and hype. I was not disappointed. I had qualms about this being a film just for people who love the art of boxing, but it definitely goes beyond that, exploring moral values, loyalty and, first and foremost, family.
The Fighter centres on the relationship between two brothers. Drug-addict Dicky, the family superstar, constantly overshadows his younger brother (Christian Bale), who does his best to balance his love for his brother with the fact that Dicky's interference in his life is highly destructive. This is, however, a tale of second chances, priorities and sheer determination. Simultaneously sad and uplifting.
However, no matter how emotionally involving The Fighter is, it falls just short of truly great. It is a very well-constructed film, but also a fairly predictable one. It falls below Million Dollar Baby, whilst exploring a similar area (boxing, emotions and values, low-income families), which is a dangerous thing to do if one doesn't want to be accused of unoriginality.
Bale fully deserved his Oscar and this is a serious film for thinking people, definitely worth watching, but not something that will leave you astounded and rethinking the world.