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The Fighter
Boxer "Irish" Micky Ward's unlikely road to the world light welterweight title. His Rocky-like rise was shepherded by half-brother Dicky, a boxer-turned-trainer who rebounded in life after nearly being KO'd by drugs and crime.
Release : | 2010 |
Rating : | 7.8 |
Studio : | The Weinstein Company, Relativity Media, Closest to the Hole Productions, |
Crew : | Art Direction, Production Design, |
Cast : | Mark Wahlberg Christian Bale Amy Adams Melissa Leo Mickey O'Keefe |
Genre : | Drama |
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Reviews
the audience applauded
I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.
A lot of perfectly good film show their cards early, establish a unique premise and let the audience explore a topic at a leisurely pace, without much in terms of surprise. this film is not one of those films.
This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.
The Fighter isn't your average boxing movie. This film features an interesting look into family ties and their importance and impact. Christian Bale gives a very impressive performance as Dicky Eklund - I had to keep reminding myself that this was the same guy who plays Batman. This film takes a while to get going, and it feels a lot longer than it is, but it's still very well made and deserving of praise.
Magnificently engaging from the get go, an unparalleled performance from Christian bale and the controversial tale of the Eklund brothers presented in a deliberate, sincere manner secures The Fighters position as one of the greatest biographical films in cinematic history. Oscar recognition thoroughly deserved, indisputably appreciated by all film enthusiasts.
Yes it's been done so many times. Yes, Director David O. Russell is a great director, but this type of film is not in his wheelhouse. But it is now! Wow, what a pleasant surprise this film was. The screenplay and direction combined made this film look like it's the first boxing film I've ever seen. But the real hero in this film is the insane chemistry and performances of both Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale, the latter just nailing his role. Amy Adams and Melissa Leo were also amazing in their roles. Then finally add to the mix that this is based on a true story - and executed perfectly, you end up with greatness in film- making. A truly enjoyable film and a must see! It's a 9/10 from me!
For whatever reason, considering the low real-world current popularity of the sport, boxing fares quite well at the cinema (think Rocky, The Champ, & Million Dollar Baby to name a few). That tradition continues with "The Fighter", a film that delves into so many more themes than just the sweet science.For a basic plot summary, "The Fighter" tells the dual stories of brothers Mickey Ward (Mark Wahlberg) and Dickie Ecklund (Christian Bale). Coming from a family of almost total dysfunction and seemingly headed for a life of manual labor, the boxing brothers each face their own inner demons as Mickey takes his "last shot" at pugilistic success.What really makes this a spectacular movie is the incredible complexity of the characters. Nothing is black-and-white about the entire experience, with all the plots/characters providing ample opportunities for shades of grey (the sign of most truly great movies). Nothing is predictable whatsoever, with the character dynamics changing regularly as the situations dictate. From beginning to end, the intense emotional roller-coaster will keep you on the edge of your seat.Of course, what makes those emotions really "pop" are the incredible acting performances. Bale nearly steals the entire show as the enigmatic Dickie, cementing himself as perhaps the greatest pure actor of the present day. Wahlberg also nails the emotionally-drained Ward as he tries to navigate the pathetic petty family drama. Finally, Amy Adams (playing Charlene, Mickey's girlfriend) shows her acting chops as the fulcrum point from which Mickey goes from "hanger- on" to "legitimate contender".The directing is adept as well, considering that no scene or character is wasted. Every single frame and interaction is meaningful in the overall scheme of things.Thus, I consider "The Fighter" to be one of the greatest sports films of all-time. Everything (from acting to plot to direction) is solid and no time is wasted in the hour and fifty minute runtime. I could have watched two MORE hours and not have been bored in the slightest.