Cinderella Man
SYNOPSIS
“Cinderella Man” is a film based on the true story of legendary fighter Jim Braddock. His once promising career in the boxing ring comes to a halt after he breaks his hand and suffers other injuries which result in a string of heartbreaking losses and his boxing license is removed. The nation enters into the Great Depression and years go by as Braddock struggles to keep his family warm, well fed and most importantly, together. He hustles down the to docks everyday hoping to be picked to work and earn a days wage. Braddock however, never abandons his dream to box again, and he gets an opportunity to enter the ring when another fighter cancels a challenge against the second-ranked world contender. Braddock, as the “fill-in”, and to everyone’s amazement, wins in the third round. This sets in motion a series of events that catapult Braddock, a true underdog, to challenge a fighter renowned for killing two men in the ring, Max Baer, the heavyweight champion of the world.
BASIC FACTS
“Cinderella Man” stars Russell Crowe and Renee Zellweger and is directed by Ron Howard. It takes place in the early 1930’s during the Great Depression and is the story of boxer Jim Braddock.
QUICK REVIEW
This is a very enjoyable film because the hero, Jim Braddock, is a man of integrity and honor. He is extremely likable and as a viewer, you want to see him win in the ring. You hurt when he doesn’t and Howard’s direction almost makes you physically hurt during some of the fight sequences.
This movie is not only about boxing, for me it is about family. Braddock has a love for his family that is so deep, so true, that the viewer is pulled right in. He cares for his children and works very hard to provide for them which was a daily struggle during the depression. There are some very heart touching moments of Jim with his children, teaching them honesty and sacrifice. He is a man of humility and that is what makes the character so great.
*** THE FOLLOWING POINTS MAY CONTAIN SOME SPOILERS ***
GOOD THINGS ABOUT THE FILM
This film is a true underdog film and there is a distinct hero and “bad guy”.
I was particularly enamored by the character of Jim’s wife, a respectable, God-fearing and strong individual, yet so supportive of and committed to her husband and children. Their marriage is portrayed as pure (the title characters are seen praying together, although at this moment in the story Jim is rather discouraged with life and finds it difficult to pray) and strong and that is highly inspirational considering the pressures they were under. They communicated well and I think Braddock gained a lot of his inner strength from his wife.
Braddock was surrounded by a lot of rough and vulgar characters, but he basically remains untainted.
The fact that this movie is about boxing should not dissuade any women from viewing it. Some of the fight scenes are rough, but the story is so powerful, you will be drawn in. I only saw this film after having it recommended to me by two different women!
The somewhat feminine sounding title “Cinderella Man” shouldn’t keep men away. It is a very rugged film. It is a “Cinderella Story” of sorts because Braddock was lifted from the ranks of a nobody to challenge a champion. He not only fought to win in the ring, he fought to win at life. At one point he accepted government assistance in order to feed his family only to pay it back in full when he had the opportunity. Jim Braddock carried the hopes and dreams of America at a time the country desperately needed something to believe in.
BAD THINGS ABOUT THE FILM
It is a long movie at 144 minutes. (It is lengthy, but it held my attention and the attention of a 15 year old boy.)
There is a lot of offensive language, although none of it comes from the “hero” characters, keeping their integrity intact. (This will be an even better film for me when I rent the Clean Films version – see post below.)
There is only one scene that implies an improper sexual situation, and Max Baer had a few inappropriate comments to make about Braddock’s wife as an intimidation tactic.
This isn’t necessarily bad, but it is one fight scene that involves ribs breaking. A frame that pictures an x-ray of the ribs is inserted into the fight scene and with an audible “crack” the viewer can’t help but wince. This scene keeps playing over in my head. Howard did an outstanding job of putting the viewing audience at ringside seats.
CONCLUSION
“Cinderella Man” is a movie I recommend viewing. Through the title character, and I would add the character of the wife, the film offers hope and displays the importance of marriage, family, humility, dignity, integrity and plain grit. It captures the heart and it is impossible not to be moved in some way by it. It is a highly inspirational story that will show you disappointment and then have you sitting on the edge of your seat until you finally feel the need to stand and celebrate the triumph of the human spirit.