CINDERELLA MAN

by Jane Louise Boursaw

Rated PG-13 for intense boxing violence and some language. 144 minutes. Directed by Ron Howard. Released in theaters June 3, 2005.

This movie tells the true story of Depression-era boxer Jim Braddock, a.k.a. “The Bulldog of Bergen.” As the movie opens in the late 1920's, he’s doing well in the ring and providing a comfortable lifestyle for his wife, Mae (Renee Zellweger) and their children, Jay, Rosemarie and Howard.

But things start to go downhill when he breaks his hand and loses some matches so badly that his boxing license is revoked. The Depression hits, and Braddock and his family spiral into a world of poverty. The outlook is grim, as he and Mae find themselves drowning in debt and emotionally devastated to see their starving children shivering in an unheated basement apartment amidst the dead of a Jersey winter.

Braddock gets a few dock jobs in Hoboken, slinging sacks of grain and coal, using his left arm because of his injured right hand. Although the jobs are a low point, it’s also the secret to the left hook that will eventually earn him the name “Cinderella Man” by journalist Damon Runyon.

Then he gets a second chance when his loyal manager, Joe Gould (Paul Giamatti of “Sideways” and “American Splendor”) comes to him with a one-shot deal to fight a leading contender. Braddock hasn’t trained in months (and is starving, to boot), but to everyone’s amazement, he wins the fight. One victory leads to another and finally Gould is able to arrange a title fight with heavyweight champ Max Baer (Craig Bierko), who’s already killed two men in the ring.

THE WRAP-UP: I loved this movie for many reasons: superb performances by Crowe, Zellwegger, Giamatti and Bierko; excellent direction by Ron Howard; and a wonderful story that touched the heart of millions during a rough time in our nation’s history. Braddock was a kind, gentle man who cared about his family and whose second chance in the ring gave hope to millions of Americans battling to keep their dreams alive.

I’m generally not fond of watching people pummel each other, but I almost jumped out of my seat during the fight scenes. This movie gave me goosebumps, took my breath away, and made me want to learn more about this inspirational folk hero who gave the nation some hope during the Depression.

P.S. Ron Howard and Russell Crowe better start working on their Oscar speeches.

SCORE: 4 out of 4 Reels.

Jane's Reel Rating System:

One Reel – Pathetic. Even The Force can’t save it.

Two Reels – Tolerable. Coulda been a contender.

Three Reels – Pleasant. Something to talk about.

Four Reels – Wow! The stuff dreams are made of.

E-chat with me at jane@reellifewithjane.com - I LOVE to talk about movies!

Read my other reviews here.