Review: The Fighter

Film Reviews Sat, 15 Jan 2011 Written by Mike S
Editor rating
 
 5.0 User rating
 
 0.0 (0)
The Fighter - Mark Wahlberg

Another new biopic about a sporting star isn't just a biopic - this one is about “Irish” Micky Ward managing to beat the odds to death, time and time again. Read our review and then leave your own...

Quite miraculously, David O. Russell (Three Kings, I Love Huckerbees, Spanking the Monkey, Nailed) has made the most comedic of tragedies (whether intended or not); where true-life boxer Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) is made to look more like a prize jackass than a seasoned prize fighter.

Micky Ward knows how to, and seemingly enjoys, taking repeated smacks in the teeth. It was to become a trademark in many of his fights; getting his face beaten to a pulp and then at a very calculated point in the bout, deciding to become the angry aggressor and finish his opponent off, often leaving the audience and TV commentators bewildered.

The Fighter is one of those films where the good guy looks down and out, hurt beyond repair and in desperate need of some sensible and loving encouragement. After much struggle and a series of unexpected defeats, Micky Ward gets his personal and professional act together, finally ditching his odd-ball brother Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale) and tragically loopy mother Alice Ward (Melissa Leo) to re-evaluate life, focus, work hard and aim high in the cruel world of pro-boxing.

There's some truly glorious moment in this film that could only be appreciated on a big screen - hairs dance on the back of necks, audience member’s shift in their seats, some even shout and hoot at the screen, tears may even bubble under eye balls. You want the good guy to win – hammer the opponent to the floor and become an instant hero.

In this heavy-weight tale of the under-dog having his day in the sun, witness command performances from high-as-a-kite Christian Bale, (Kids – don’t smoke crack - never ever!) and Melissa Leo as Ward's unhinged control freak mother. Quite scary. Boxing fan, or no boxing fan, watching this gritty story of determination and guts will no doubt make you feel inspired.

To be seriously inspired, punch “Ward vs Gatti” into Youtube… the best boxing brawls you may ever see… truly heroic.

STARRING

Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams and Melissa Leo

DIRECTED BY

David O. Russell

CHECK TO SEE IF IT'S PLAYING NEAR YOU

Bahrain - Bahrain Cinema
Lebanon - Empire; Grand
Jordan - Grand Cinemas
UAE - Grand Cinemas; Cinestar

 

Qatar - Qatar Cinema Company
Kuwait - Cinescape 
Egypt - Renaissance Cinemas
Oman - City Cinema

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE


Editor review

One quality film

Rating:
 
 5.0
Reviewed by triplew.me
January 15, 2011
 
Last updated: January 15, 2011
The story is well told, portrayed and delivered - with a huge amount of Oscar buzz already being generated for the film. Be blown away by the story and experience it, if you can, in a cinema for full effect. A great film to start 2011 with.
 
 

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