Cinderella Man

Magnificent boxing film, based on a true story, about James Braddock, a professional boxer during the era of the Great Depression in America.

Russell Crowe stars as James, a boxer from New Jersey. His initial entry into the sport was greeted with mild success, but after a string of defeats and injuries, as well as the onset of the market slump, he had to abandon his career in boxing in order to provide for his family. An honest and decent man, James didn’t bear any grudges, and simply tried to do right by his family, teaching his kids to be upstanding citizens, even during the harsh times. But, when a chance to compete in the big arena of Madison Square Gardens, comes up, he just had to take it.

His wife, Mae (Renée Zellweger), is anxiously worried that her husband will end up killing himself in the ring, leaving the family to fend for themselves. And, as James’ opponents become tougher and tougher, that fear becomes increasingly likely.

Boxing films have a unique ability to combine underdog grit, with brutal entertainment. Many films that deal with the subject of boxing are often based on true stories, suggesting that fighters make for the best protagonists. Cinderella Man uses a very compelling character, but also shows him in a totally engaging setting. By using the theme of boxing during the Great Depression, the film is able to combine the hope and agony of the sport, with the devastation of a nation, allowing us to see one man’s struggle for greatness, whilst those around pin their hopes on him.

Cinderella Man is a triumph of a film. Representing a heart warming and touching story with great deals of suspense and drama. Both Crowe and Zellweger are impressive within the film, as well as Paul Giamatti as James’ trainer Joe. Very few films have the ability to get me on the edge of my seat, but this one literally did. The beatings that this guy had to take, juxtaposed with the victories he claimed, are a completely turbulent ride, one which I would gladly take again.