The Fighter

Film/DVD

Boxing, drugs, the ugly sisters, and one messed up family.

I really enjoyed this film!  

The facts speak for themselves here – both supporting actor and actress, Christian Bale and Melissa Leo won Oscars and it was nominated for a further five Oscars including best picture and best directing/screenplay/editing.

Make no mistake, this is not a boxing film in the Rocky mould, it is a film about a boxer, his family, and their struggles. The actual fight scenes are powerful, dramatic and gripping, but the backdrop that is presented through the entire movie is just excellent.

Perhaps what makes this even more of a great watch is the fact that it is a true story. This is highlighted by one of the characters, Mickey O’Keefe, the police sergeant and trainer, actually playing himself in the movie.

I’ve heard it said that Mark Wahlberg was the driving force behind getting this one made and people felt he was the unsung hero of the film. He wasn’t Oscar nominated, and this is a surprise. His performance provides the platform for Bale and Leo to be so eye catching. Frankly this is a movie where everyone has played their A-game. When great actors work with a great director, fantastic cinematographer, classy editor, and outstanding script, good things happen.

8/10