Director: David O. Russell
Starring: Christian Bale, Mark Wahlberg and Amy Adams
‘A Breathtaking Biopic’
When it comes to the best boxers in American history, it’s worth discussing Mickey Ward. A world-renowned boxer, Ward achieved victories in the boxing ring during the 1980’s. Assisted by his inspirational brother Dicky Eklund, Mickey embarked on a journey to become a famous fighter. Through his strong dedication, Mickey sought to become a renowned wrestler in the boxing profession. In his journey to becoming a renowned wrestler, Mickey faced several obstacles. He grew up in a dysfunctional family that did not often treat him fairly. Despite facing rocky roads to stardom, Mickey achieved his long-term goals of becoming a phenomenal wrestler achieving victories in the ring. Given his inspirational story, Mickey’s life deserves to be depicted on the big-screen.
In 2010, David O. Russell did an exceptional job of bringing the fighter’s story to the big-screen in his film “The Fighter”. A breathtaking boxing biopic, it celebrates the legacy of an athlete that’s iconic. O. Russell pays heartfelt tribute towards a boxer that forever changed history. Boasting breathtaking boxing sequences, sharp storytelling and incredible performances, it’s a brilliant boxing biopic. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance from Christian Bale, who embodies a real-life boxer that was driven to succeed rather than fail. Ultimately, it delivers an inspirational message which will resonate with everyone forming bonds with brothers at an early age. A breathtaking masterpiece about boxing, there are many reasons why it’s a film worth watching.
Based on a true story, “The Fighter” tells the story of a boxer that embarks on a journey to make his dreams come true. Mark Wahlberg embodies Mickey Ward, a professional boxer with dreams of a bright future. Assisted by his compassionate brother Dicky (Christian Bale), Mickey strives to become a renowned fighter. Mickey’s dreams come true when he’s given chances to participate in sports championships. However, Mickey’s dreams of success come under threat when he faces pressure. Unable to juggle responsibilities of being a boxer with pleasing his family, Mickey questions whether he can achieve victory. Under pressure, Mickey questions whether he has what it takes to become a successful fighter.
David O. Russell is a newcomer to the boxing genre. Before he directed “The Fighter”, the filmmaker had never made a boxing movie in his career. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to dramatize life of a real-life fighter but he pulled it off. Through gorgeous visuals, Russell captures a fighter that embarks on a journey to make dreams come true. O. Russell effectively uses montages to capture bonds between wrestling brothers. Throughout the film, O. Russell effectively uses montages to capture bonds between inseparable brothers. Montages elevate the training scene. During this memorable scene, Dickey trains his brother to become a successful fighter. Using montages, O. Russell captures bonds between brothers that share a love for wrestling. Handheld cameras are a tricky technique. However, it works immensely in this movie. Using breathtaking visuals, O. Russell captures long-lasting relationships between brothers that love wrestling.
Another admirable aspect of “The Fighter” is the production-design. From a technical point-of-view, the film is extremely well-made. O. Russell effectively creates authentic boxing scenes using real-life boxing rings. O. Russell’s decision to shoot the movie in real life boxing rings is risky but works tremendously. For instance, the boxing rings enhance the final fight scene. During this unforgettable scene, Mickey engages in a final fight in the boxing championship. Evoking Martin Scorsese’s “Raging Bull”, the real-life boxing rings give the film a sense of realism and authenticity. Through these engrossing boxing rings, O. Russell celebrates a boxer that’s inspiring. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Evoking Sylvester Stallone’s “Rocky”, Michael Brooks’ music gives the film captures inspiring nature of boxing. Through phenomenal production, O. Russell honours boxing.
Storytelling is one of the reasons why “The Fighter” is a boxing drama that’s compelling. Amidst the breathtaking boxing scenes, the film finds time for engaging storytelling. O. Russell’s screenwriting strength is capturing the bonds between boxing brothers seeking success through symbolism. Throughout the movie, the boxing ring becomes a symbol of strong bonds between brothers. For instance, the boxing rings elevate the boxing match scene. During this memorable scene, Mickey is given an offer to participate in sports championships away from his brother. One appreciates the symbolism of boxing capturing the strong bonds between a pair of brothers. Symbolism is a complicated technique Frank Darabont’s “The Shawshank Redemption” suggested symbolism elevates classic prison dramas. As Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” demonstrated, symbolism elevates horror movies. Nevertheless, it works extremely. Through a superb screenplay, O. Russell celebrates the legacy of a legendary boxer in the world today.
One admires astonishing performances. In a star-studded cast, every actor gets to shine and leave a lasting impression.
Mark Wahlberg delivers one of his best career performances as Mickey Ward. Wahlberg first achieved appreciation by playing adult actors in period pieces. With “The Fighter”, however, he took on his first biopic role. It’s challenging to embody the personality of a real-life boxer, but he succeeds. With extraordinary expressions, he conveys the angst, courage and determination of a boxer seeking success in the competitive ring. It’s an exceptional performances from one of the greatest actors working in Hollywood today.
Christian Bale is captivating as a trainer that’s dedicated to assisting his brother become a celebrated wrestler. While Wahlberg gets the showier role, Bale is also excelled as a boxer with a strong goal. As dickey, Bale successfully uses his powerful voice to create a character that’s compelling. Whether he’s arguing with his brother over how to become a boxer or taking drugs causing disaster, Bale successfully uses his commanding voice to embody a compelling character. It’s an engaging character giving the actor an opportunity to showcase skills for method acting. It’s a strong performance from one of the greatest actors working in Hollywood today.
Lastly, Melissa Leo merits appreciation. As the tormented mother of Mickey Ward, she brings heartfelt emotion to the movie.
Finally, “The Fighter” will earn appreciation of everyone for celebrating the legacy of a fighter. The film discusses universal themes including family, career and drug addiction which resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of boxing to appreciate the movie. The film delivers a bold message which resonates with everyone forming bonds with brothers at an early age. As someone sharing a strong bond with my brother, I identified with the film’s message deeply. Therefore, “The Fighter” is one of those rare sports biopics everyone will adore.
Fans of Christian Bale will definitely appreciate “The Fighter” and so will movie-goers seeking meaningful entertainment. A breathtaking boxing biopic, it celebrates an inspiring athlete which built a prosperous career that’s long-lasting.
Nearly 40 years after a pair of fighter brothers working together achieved miraculous victories in the boxing ring, it’s a phenomenal tribute to real-life wrestlers that changed the world forever through showcasing the strong bonds brothers form together that stood as a strong symbol of hope whose determination to overcome all odds stacked against their favour is an inspiring story that definitely deserves to be told in movies worth watching.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 