‘Cinderella Man’ provides hero we’re all looking for
by Vickie Wilson |
Whether we know it or not, many of us are often searching for a hero
– not someone to come along and save us, exactly, but someone to bring
just a little bit of hope and inspiration to our own daily lives. In
times like the Great Depression, we were probably looking for a hero
even harder. Good thing Jim Braddock found us.
Based on the life and boxing career of Irishman Braddock, Universal
Pictures’ “Cinderella Man” not only depicts a depression-era hero, it
re-issues Braddock’s underdog inspiration to those of us who weren’t
around in the ’30s to experience it. A down-on-his-luck fighter,
Braddock could barely support his family. Forced to go on public
relief, Braddock was unable to provide food, warmth and even
electricity to his wife and three children. Then, a surprising offer to
return to the boxing ring materializes. What follows certainly earns
Braddock the moniker of “Cinderella Man.”
Played by a superb Russell Crowe, Braddock and his story is one of
desperation, love, hope and family. Crowe is so convincing as Braddock
that when he gives his breakfast to his tiny daughter instead of eating
it himself, you don’t think it’s a hokey sentimental Hollywoodization
of the story – you know it just must be the type of man Braddock was.
Renée Zellweger plays Mae Braddock, the boxer’s wife, and is as sweet
and concerned as you would expect a wife and mother to be. Russell and
Zellweger have terrific chemistry as on-screen spouses and parents.
Paul Giamatti (of “Sideways” fame) plays Braddock’s agent Joe Gould and
proves that he will never be a flash-in-the-pan celebrity – his acting
is second only in the film to Crowe’s Braddock. Giamatti is tremendous
and pulls off some of the most poignant moments in the movie with
grace. Director Ron Howard is at his best pulling emotional
performances from these actors, and their sentiments never once ring
false.
“Cinderella Man” is 144 minutes long and every second of it is
necessary, even the lengthy sequences in the boxing ring. You may cover
your eyes as the blood flies (the movie is rated PG-13 for intense
boxing violence and some language) or cringe every time you hear a
punch land, but you’ll cheer right along with the boxing fans in the
movie. It’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement as Braddock, an
underdog, a father and a good man, tries to win a fight solely to feed
his family. In a way, you begin to feel as the depression-era crowd did
– that he’s fighting for you too.
Some people are calling “Cinderella Man” the best movie of the year.
So far, it is, and not just because Howard and Crowe and the rest of
the cast produced a terrific film. Jim Braddock’s triumph is an
extraordinary story for common men. It’s heartening that Hollywood
chose to tell it. And it’s significant that his story is true.
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