Only a few good movies come out during the course of the year and this movie is a gem to behold. A very special story is at the heart of this movie, a story about a broken family, a rough neighbourhood, and a dream of taking over the boxing world. David O. Russell has directed one of the most sensitive movie's I have ever seen and he doesn't take sides with any of the characters, he just shows us what their lives are all about.
At the center of the film is Mickey (Mark Wahlberg) ; a man that always had a dream of being a professional boxer and who held his older brother, Dickey (Christian Bale), up as an idol. Dickey used to a professional boxer and he fought sugar ray leonard and made the big man fall to the mat, he didn't win the fight, but he did knock Mr. Ray to the ground, this is why he's the pride of his town. Now he's a crack addict and very unhealthy, but he's making a comeback film so he can fight Mr. Ray Leonard again. This movie isn't about heroics or making epic comebacks from the dumps; this movie is about a broken family, two boys, a bunch of sisters and how they try to make their lives right. Mr. Wahlberg and Mr. Bale showcase their acting chops magnificently, finally Wahlberg has shown us that he really is a great actor and he deserves every award that is coming to him. He plays his character with such a gentle spirit and a crazy determination to do what is right for his family and his girl. He plays it perfectly and doesn't over do it, it's perfect. Christian Bale is absolutely brilliant, he plays with such tenacity, and his character is so believable that it's haunting to watch him in action, he is electric. These two carry the film beautifully as the director has the confidence just to put the camera in front of these two and watch them fly with their characters. The supporting roles are also amazing. Amy Adams sports her acting chops play Charlene, the tough as nails girl that works at the town bar, eventually she goes out with Mickey and teaches him how to stand up for himself. Adams goes from Julie and Julia to this hard town boston girl that would fight for her rights, literally. Awards are surely to be handed out to these three if not nominations.
This film is a roller coaster ride with a big heart; the emotions spread throughout this movie overflows the screen and will eventually win you're heart over. There are heartaches and troubles but also triumphs and defeats, a movie that truly cares about the human heart. David O Russell doesn't use big theatrics or crazy camera tricks; he just simply tells this amazing true story about a family and how they struggle to find a purpose to live, a story about addiction and how it ruins a life and a story about redemption because there is always a second chance no matter how old or young. This movie is a triumph of the human spirit filled with compassion and a showcase for wonderful acting. The Fighter shows us that a great story is all we need to be moved, and this movie will move you, it's impact full, wonderful, sensitive, troubling and simply great. This isn't a sport movie, it's a movie about life and all the trials within, but it's what we do when we face them that is the most important. Will you give in? give up? or will you run full face into them and fight them to the death? This is the true fighter in us.
