| Product: |
Cinderella Man (DVD) |
| Date: |
08/03/06 (114 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Incredible story, gives an insight into Great Depression, impressive acting
Disadvantages: Sentimental story, boxing scenes over dramatic
I was drawn to this film because I like boxing but also the title of the film is based on a quote by Damon Runyon. He coined the term " Cinderella Man" for James Braddock. Damon Runyon is one of my favourite writers - he wrote the short stories "Guys and Dolls" that the musical is based on - and I was hoping to find out more about him too.
*** Seconds out; Round One ***
This film starts focusing on James J Braddock's return from a successful fight. All is well for Braddock ( Russell Crowe) a talented boxer who enjoys a happy family life with his wife, Mae( Renee Zellweger) and his children.
However, there are storm clouds on the horizon. The film jumps in time and we now see Braddock fighting for survival. His talent appears to be on the wane after losing a close fight. He fights now just to make money but alas he has broken his hand. Despite this he conceals his injuiry and attempts to fight on. As a result of his injuiry his fight becomes a farce and the crowd turn on him leading to his license to box being revoked.
This is a perilous situation for Braddock as the Great Depression has struck. The glory and comfort of the opening scene is long forgotten. The film focuses on the domestic life of the Braddock's. While the boxing scenes bring excitement to the film, the portrayal of the Great Depression is the substance of the film.
Throught the Braddock's and their neighbours we see the abject poverty Americans lived under in this period. We see the Braddock's unable to put food on their table, their electricity being turned off, their child stealing and briefly they have to send their children away to stay with relations. We also see how alcohol helps cover the pain for certain families. We watch as Braddock waits at the gates of the dock with the longshoreman hoping he will be chosen to work. We see their despair as they are turned away without work.
These scenes are juxtaposed with brief glimpses of the wealth of those living in the center of the city. We see momentary glimpses of children laden with presents, wonderful apartments and chic fashion. This makes the plight of the workers all the more moving.
Salvation arrives for Braddock in an unlikely form. Due to his injuired right hand, he uses his left all the more on the docks. His promoter Joe Gould ( Paul Giamitti) finds him a fight because of the late pull out of another boxer.
Incredibly he wins and this sets of an amazing series of wins which lead Braddock towards a chance of The World Heavyweight Championship. This also unifies the poor workers as they back Braddock and he comes to represent their dreams of a better life. Standing between him and the title is Max Baer ( Craig Bierko) a monster of a boxer who has killed two men in previous fights. Will he prevail? Will he survive? Will the hopes of the workers be crushed?
You'll have to watch it and see.
*** In the Blue Corner ***
Russell Crowe plays the part of Braddock. It is a surprisingly difficult role to play as Braddock is so perfect. Crowe does it well but is inclined towards melodramatics.
Renee Zellwegger plays Mae. I think she plays the role very well. She plays the part of a quiet sensitive wive and she conveys to us the struggle women faced at this time.
Paul Giamitti is superb as Joe Gould the promoter. We see the verbosity he employs to win deals but also we see a softer side as he looks after Braddock.
*** Awaiting the judges decision ***
The DVD has two extras: deleted scenes and ringside seats.
The deleted scenes are pretty standard. They consist of 6 scenes and I didn't find them memorable. If you want you can hear the director ( Ron Howards) commentary with them
Rinside seats in comparison is a jewel! Imagine my delight to find this consisted of the director and producer sitting with Norman Mailer ( famous jounalist and he wrote The Ring a brillant book). They watch and discuss the original fight between Braddock and Baer. The original brings home the brutality of the fight and also shows just how physically imposing Baer was. A great extra.
*** Rematch ***
This film is sentimental but it is based on a true story and as far as I can tell it is reflective of his life. It is more than a boxing story; it is also a story of survival. It provides us with glimpses of The Great Depressions effects on America. Ultimately, it is the incredible tale of an incredible man worthy of the moniker Runyon gave him.
At £14.99 it is reasonably priced but I'm not sure I'd want to watch it time and again so hiring it might be the better option.
While it lacks the variety of Raging Bull or the grittiness of 24-7 this is a boxing film that packs a punch.
Summary: An incredible tale of recovery in hard times
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