The Cinderella Man DVD Review
Published June 22, 2009 by Boxing Capital
Whilst it’s not a new movie, I finally got around to seeing ‘The Cinderella Man’ over the weekend, which sees Hollywood star Russell Crowe as the legendary boxer of the 1920’s and 1930’s, James J. Braddock.
I have to say that the film was quite simply fantastic. As a boxing aficionado, I was familiar of Braddock’s accomplishments in the ring in claiming the Heavyweight Title, but I certainly didn’t know the remarkable story behind the man himself. I won’t spoil too much of the story for you but it’s a tale that depicts a man who goes from being a light heavyweight contender to a perennial loser (taking a ‘dive’ for $50 a fight) who has his boxing license revoked, leaving him penniless during the Great Depression of the 1930’s, to a man who grabs his final, unexpected chance in boxing in a heartwarming turn of events.
But it’s not all boxing; for me, whilst Braddock’s ring achievements are incredible, it’s his resolute nature outside the ring to provide for his family during the depression that impresses me most. The fact he took this inspiring determination into the ring with him meant he was one opponent you did not want to face.
I must also give praise to Paul Giametti, who plays the role of Joe Gould, Braddock’s long time manager and friend. The bond between the pair is believable and whilst Giametti’s character is loud and brash, you sense the underlying emotions between boxer and fighter are as strong you would find in many marriages.
If I was to be critical of the film, I really would be nit picking, purely as a boxing insider – the instructions between rounds are certainly not what you’d hear the likes of Freddie Roach tell his fighters today and the fight scenes, whilst believable, are predictably exaggerated.
At a little over two hours in duration, I recommend this to any fight fan – particularly those, who like myself, didn’t know the true story behind this heavyweight great.
Judges Scorecard – 9/10
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