MyRating: YYYYYDirector: David O. Russell
Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo, Jack McGee, Mickey O'Keefe
MPAA: Rated R for language throughout, drug content, some violence and sexuality
A heartwarming biographical boxing drama about an Irish-American boxer Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) and his unlikely journey to win the world light welterweight champion title. Coming from a big dysfunctional family in Lowell, Massachusetts, with seven other sisters to fit in a house, trained by his former professional boxer but a drug-addicted elder half-brother Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale), and managed by his dominant mother Alice Ward (Melissa Leo), Micky has to go through the rough and hard way before he could mark his name in the boxing history. But with the love of his girlfriend, Charlene Fleming (Amy Adams), and the full supports and bonds of his family, Micky proved that 'there is no dream too big to be conquered'.
What makes this movie a winner is the well-written underdog story that will win over the hearts of the audiences, and the charming performances by the actors. Great direction from David O. Russell, who could maximize the amazing potentials of all the casts. In fact, it was 'the performances' that made this movie a gem.
Christian Bale stole the whole movie with his brilliant and knockout performance. He totally transformed himself into another person, fitted well with his crack-addicted character, with his deep junkie eyes and skinny body, deep into the soul and mannerisms of Dicky Eklund. To well picturing the character, Bale had to lose his weight, like what he did before in The Machinist (2004). Not only that, as that of a great and perfectionist actor, Bale also stayed tune and true in his 'Dicky Eklund' character throughout the filming. A role like this did make him looked ugly physically, but it was a character and a performance that will definitely make you fall in love. An incredible acting and definitely an Oscar worthy one.
Mark Wahlberg as the main character, even though overshadowed by Bale, gave a good performance himself. A much calmer character (and not as flashy as Bale), he appeared quite convincingly as the fighter. Great chemistry between Wahlberg and Bale, that bonded very well.
Now, Amy Adams. Her character as Wahlberg's love interest was another character that I loved in this movie. Blunt, sassy, and sometimes rude, this was a strong performance by this lovable and great actress. Adding to the wonderful line-up of supporting casts was Melissa Leo, who gave a very solid performance as the assertive and aggresive mother-manager.
The Fighter is another great addition to the boxing movies like Rocky (1976), Raging Bull (1980) and Cinderella Man (2005). The boxing scenes themselves actually were not that spectacular, but this was a great drama with wonderful performances that will be remembered for years to come. (MJ)
