4.5 out of 5
Honestly one of the best movies of the year and one of the best boxing movies, right up there with Raging Bull from the 1980s which was brilliant. The only reason this did not get a perfect score was because it was difficult to watch at times because of the drug content and violent nature of some scenes. This was very graphic and bloody at times. But I do not want you to think twice about seeing it I just want you to be prepared.
At times I had to look the other direction or close my eyes just because I wasn't prepared. The violence did not bother me, I am from a generation that has become accustomed to it (which is sad), but the drug usage is what got me. This didn't try to hide it and it showed the consequences. If I were using, this would make me think very seriously about trying to quit-- it didn't try to hide it or glorify it which is needed more in today's culture with today's youth.
The movie is based on a true story of a man who wants to become a true boxer but his famous brother holds him back. His brother has a drug problem that everyone knows about but no one talks about. Their mother heavily favors the brother and he can do no wrong in her eyes. They have some very touching scenes that might very well earn Melissa Leo and Christian Bale deserving Oscars for these roles. The movie also features the boxer's girlfriend, played by one of my personal favorite actresses--- Amy Adams who at such a young age acts with such vigor of the great Meryl Streep and the late Katherine Hepburn. She will be one of the greats eventually and I can't wait to see that.
This movie has some of the best acting from an ensemble cast this year and could very well earn 4 acting nominations for Mark Walburg, Christian Bale, Melissa Leo and Amy Adams. That is rare to have so many from one movie get nominated. Mark Walburg is a long shot but a possibility the other three have basically secured a nomination which are very well deserved. There has even been talk about Best Director and Best Picture nominations. I would agree with both along with many more nominations-- it could end up with the most nominations of any film but only time will tell. It is not my personal favorite for the year but it is definitely in my top 10 maybe even top 5.
I highly recommend this movie-- go see it and let me know what you think-- love it? hate it?
No comments:
Post a Comment