What to expect from another boxing biopic? We’ve seen a few over the years – Rocky, Raging Bull, Ali, Million Dollar Baby - so are we going to get anything fresh from The Fighter? Well, no. What we do get, however, is a fantastic sports movie (there’s even a montage), mixed with a dysfunctional, yet touching, family drama, an authentic love story, and a gritty social drama with a surprisingly light touch.
The movie tells the real life story of journeyman boxer Micky Ward and his washed up brother and trainer Dicky, and of Mickey’s rise to title contender. Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale play the brothers, and what a pair of performances. Bale’s tour de force portrayal of one time contender turned crack addict Dicky has taken all the plaudits; he’s dominated awards season and is odds on to win Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars. Yet Wahlberg matches him blow for blow, with a delicately understated and focused turn as Mickey. Wahlberg is one of the most underrated actors of the past 15 years, (yet has somehow missed out in this year’s Best Actor category), and its a joy to watch two of Hollywood's finest on top of their game. Amy Adams and Melissa Leo provide top notch support as Mickey’s brassy girlfriend and controlling mother respectively, and both have deservedly picked up Best Supporting Actress nods.
The boxing scenes are expertly shot by director David O Russell, and rival Martin Scorceses classic Raging Bull in its realism (Venny was wincing next to me with every punch thrown). The gritty setting of working class Boston
The Fighter has been seen as many as a dark horse in this years Oscars, and some believe it may pip The King’s Speech and The Social Network to this years Best Film award. This is unlikely, but in a year of classic films, this is up there with the very best of them
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