Boxing... a typical excuse for Hollywood drama. Rocky, Raging Bull, Ali, Million Dollar Baby, Cinderalla Man... the list is extensive. Many times a motivator for on screen tales of rags to riches and individual triumph over adversity, so what makes The Fighter any different? Interestingly enough, there may be very little contrast to the plethora of pugilistic forerunners in the essence of the tale, yet Micky Ward’s title winning rise to boxing stardom is slickly executed on screen and backed up by excellent performances across the board. The Fighter is some distance away from being just another boxing movie.
Wahlberg plays Micky Ward in an inspired by true events story of the welter weight’s battle to reach the boxing fame top. The hunky, chunky ex-back street boy passively plods his way across screen as a thoughtful boxing brute with real heart and a challengingly dysfunctional family in tow. Aptly cast and played, Wahlberg plays the role with the subtle sincerity that it deserves and suitably lacks the animalistic bawling of boxing movie forefathers Stallone and De Niro. Wahlberg could be said to be a little static, yet in his role as the solid, single minded punching machine this is exactly what is required. Ward is the central core to the films drama, grinding his way towards the ring while his loved ones around him pick pieces of him as he goes. Wahlberg is backed by an immaculate performance from Bale, who shines in anorexic, goofy, balding glory, stealing every scene he is in with an utterly involving portrayal of Ward’s crack addicted failure of an older brother. Melissa Leo also triumphs as the manipulative mother, ever celebrating her eldest sons past successes and controlling her mini dominion with psycho-stares, a whiplash tongue and poor me poor me strategies. When Ward summons up the courage to ask out local bar girl Charlene (Amy Adams) she becomes key to the triggers that propel our central character forward through his struggle for victory bringing change.
The ensuing clashes that unfold around Ward become pivotal to the on screen drama. Nail chomping scenes of history laden family friction and a dramatic struggle through a love loaded but heavily tested relationship essentially make The Figher what it is. Without this sparklingly interactive character development, the film would be far, far less involving. Why would we care about another small time boxer on his way to bigness? O’Russell’s direction is clean and clear and there is very little glitz and glamour to distract us outside of where the real story takes place... within the dynamic interaction of the real life inspired persons on screen.
Almost as a side note, the boxing scenes are crisp and coherent. Well choreographed and believable, and we have our fair share of training and fighting montages. Yet what is great about The Fighter is that is doesn’t rip off the Rocky’esque clichés. Yes, boxing movie conventions abound in The Fighter, yet that is more out of necessity within this generic subject matter as opposed to dramatic effect abuse.
Great for what it is, I mean, more than great. Billowing boxing drama out of it’s seams, The Fighter has the perfect balance. Great story, told well, tightly directed and brilliantly acted by all cast, in particular the lead’s support. Even if you don’t like boxing movies, you may well enjoy The Fighter.
9/10
