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Cinderella Man", Ron Howard's heart-felt film biography of boxing legend James J. Braddock, never received the recognition it deserved when first released, due, in large part, to Russell Crowe's bad press following a telephone-throwing incident. Overzealous critics tended to lump the incident and film together, and despite Crowe's public apology, many moviegoers skipped it. Now that the film is available on DVD, it's time to acknowledge the film for what it always HAS been; director Howard and star Crowe's FINEST film, together! Braddock's story is so amazing and inspirational, that it is astonishing that it's taken seventy years to tell it. Sylvester Stallone 'borrowed' from it, extensively, in creating "Rocky", and in viewing the film, the parallels between fact and fiction are obvious; Braddock had been an 'up and comer' in the twenties, but broken bones and ill-advised matches had cost him a championship shot. Then the Depression struck, Braddock was wiped out, financially, and he struggled to support his wife and family through the most harrowing period in American history. Considered 'washed up' and too old for a comeback, all the boxer had going for him was his wife's love, his manager's faith, and his personal integrity, which refused to allow him to give up. He tenaciously climbed back up the ranks of younger title contenders, earning the adoration of a country trying to rebuild their own lives, as well, until, finally, he had his championship match, against ruthless 'killing machine' Max Baer. Their match would become the stuff of legends! To director Howard's credit, he never 'over-sentimentalizes' the story, or tries to turn it into a soft-focus 'fairy tale'. His vision of the Depression is the most accurate and heartbreaking since the documentaries of the '30s, and will come as a revelation to those whose only knowledge of the period is a paragraph in a history book. Jim Braddock is not a 'Superman', but a hard-working, decent man with no higher vision than to provide his family a better life, and as magnificently portrayed by Crowe, he embodies qualities of honesty and dignity that many of us dream of, but seldom achieve. In any other year, he'd be a shoo-in for an Oscar for his performance, it's that good! Matching Crowe's portrayal are Renée Zellweger, as his loyal wife, Mae, who perfectly channels a '30s 'style', as well as a gutsiness that is timeless, and the wonderful Paul Giamatti, as manager Joe Gould, who would sell everything he owned, rather than see Braddock give up. Giamatti, a veteran character actor who finally saw his 'breakthrough' in last year's "Sideways", should finally get his long-deserved Oscar, for this role. "Cinderella Man" is a film that will continue to be cherished long after the filmmakers are gone, a tale rooted in an earlier era, but still timeless.Read full review
Still a fan of the game in spite of the influence of some predatory promoters and reptilian boxing organisations, I was very impressed by Cinderella Man's accurate attention to the actual facts. Russell Crowe and Renee Zellweger both do great jobs in a film which certainly stands as an equal alongside "Raging Bull" for factuality. Although the so-called "Clown Prince", then-champion playboy Max Baer's entertaining character is sacrificed on the altar of Hollywood - who made him considerably more vulgar and mean than he apparently was - the actor too, still does a top job. Fighting for years with a broken right hand and some wrist bones for the needs of his family caused by the Great Depression, Jim Braddock was a good honest fighter that could have made a much bigger, much brighter and much louder noise as heavyweight champion had he have received medical care for his worsening fractures - and his subsequently dismal worsening boxing record as a result of those specific injuries. Lost his title on the floor when counted out for the first and only-ever time when he fought the immortal Joe Louis. Recommended! Definitely well worth watching!Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Quite simply, the greatest boxing movie of all time(my opinion). And one of the greatest movies of all time!!! Russell Crowe strikes again with an absolutely brilliant performance along with Renee Zellweger, Paul Giamatti & the rest of the supporting cast. The aforementioned three actors flat out nailed their roles & all three could/ should have won academy awards for best lead actor, best lead actress and best supporting actor. Superbly written story by Cliff Hollingsworth as well as the screenplay by C. H. & Akiva Goldsman. Talk about some credibility...Angelo Dundee as a movie corner assistant to go along with being a major boxing adviser in the film. Last but certainly not least, brilliantly directed by the one & only Ron Howard who justifiably should have won the academy award for best director. Awesome film of courage with spectacular boxing action. Bravo!Read full review
I don't normally like the actors in this movie, but DANGGGGG, YO!!!! You have to watch the bonus features. This dude was old, slow, on his way out of boxing when the depression hit. When jobs became slim to none, and he started losing his kids and stuff he gained a new respect for his profession, and a brand new blue-collar work ethic. True story. Great acting and directing. Excellent... EXCELLENT... movie. (it might even make you cry)
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Not a fan of boxing? Not a fan of Renee Zellweger? Not a fan of Russell Crowe? This movie takes place during the time of the depression; even if you don't think you may want to watch a movie placed during that time, don't miss this one! I'm not a fan of boxing, Renee or Russell and I wasn't keen about seeing a movie that took place during the depression. Honestly, I wouldn't even have rented it if I hadn't been with someone who wanted to see it. I absolutely LOVED this movie; even my 15-year old loved this movie (and those of you with teenagers know how hard it can be to reach them). I am VERY glad I saw this movie and will be adding it to my small collection of favorite movies. This movie will undoubtedly take you through a range of emotions. It is about a man and his family who came from poverty; it is a movie about will, determination, love of family and more. The acting is incredible. I'm a writer and while I rarely think a movie was well-written, I feel that this one was! It didn't miss a beat!Read full review
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