The Fighter

The Fighter has been in the works for a long time. An awards sleeper, it is another gritty Boston (actually Lowell, but what's the difference?) drama with a heart of gold. Based on the true story of boxer Micky Ward, this film focuses more on the relationship with his family, particularly his crack-addicted, former boxer brother who happens to be his best friend and trainer.

Mark Wahlberg portrays Ward with ease and a casual, natural attitude. This role isn't much of a stretch as Ward seems both kind and normal. He is basically the black sheep of his dysfunctional family. His talent and determination is held hostage by his loyalty, and the singular purpose in his life is contaminated by the irony of his family bond.

Christian Bale shows his range, yet again, as Dicky Eklund. The subject of an HBO Sports documentary, his misguided, single-minded selfish character is convinced that the "Pride of Lowell" and his comeback as a boxer is the intended content. Grasping at a moment in history, Bale shows the epitome of pathetic and is a pitiable character.

The rest of the supporting cast is amazing. Amy Adams is perfect as the sharp-tongued love interest who doesn't put up with Micky's family nonsense and plays a Massachusetts girl with authenticity. Melissa Leo has one of the juiciest roles of the year as the ignorant and overburdened mother of 6 (or is it 7? 8? More?). She is dependent on her two boys to support her and her bevy of white trash daughters. They make rude quips in lazy Bostonian accents, and make the viewer almost giddy at how brilliantly portrayed and disgusting they actually are.

Boxing takes a back seat to the interaction between the characters, and Ward struggles to prove himself as more than just a stepping stone for better fighters.

The boxing scenes are fine, but not overly realistic. More attention could have been garnered on those scenes, and although Wahlberg plays a fighter with convincing conviction, his fights seemed too choreographed. However, Raging Bull and Rocky had the same criticisms, and I couldn't do better, so I can't fault David O Russell too much for that.

I enjoyed this film. It was gritty and depressing, but came through with a very favorable ending. I left feeling like the underdog had won, and the character transformations were hear-warming and endearing.

I imagine that this film will collect an assortment of Oscar nominations, but I like Melissa Leo and Christian Bale. I wouldn't be surprised if it sweeps the supporting awards, because God knows Christian Bale is one of a handful of actors who has deserved an Oscar nomination for years, and surprisingly is receiving his first Golden Globe nod this year.

Inspirational like a Disney sports film, yet shows verisimilitude to the plight of the working class. Well done film. 8/10.