Rocky for the 2000's. Excellent.

Rating: 10/10 (27 May 2013)

This is an intelligent and must watch sports drama. It is very much along the lines of Rocky but with a better script in my opinion.
Two estranged brothers are fighting for the title of ultimate spartan amidst the pain of a family feud. The film concentrates on their preparation and reasons for fighting whilst interweaving their family estrangement.It could have been a corny film but instead this is an excellently directed and acted drama that can be enjoyed by everyone.
The acting is extremely good from all participants though I was particularly taken with the performances of Nick Nolte (not an actor I was previously fond of) and Tom Hardy as the younger brother. Both were excellent in this though good support was in rich supply with Joel Edgerton as the elder more sensible brother and Frank Grillo as his trainer also doing great jobs.
This is a crowd pleasing film and you could pick holes in it but it's so well done and so enjoyable that only the churlish would complain. For me this is one of the finest of all sports drama's combining an intelligent script with great and believable action.
This film is highly recommended for all ages. A true modern classic.