Raw and gritty - and yet very real, The Fighter lives up to its billing of one of last year's best movies.
There's nothing fancy to hook you in, just top-notch acting and a gripping story.
Set in the working-class streets of Lowell, Massachusetts, the extended Ward-Eklund family live and breathe boxing.
Matriarch
Alice Ward (Melissa Leo) rules with an iron fist and the family does what it is told. Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale) is the family hero but he exists on long-since-expired fame and fortune.
In the late-1970s, Dicky had his shot at fame with a world title bout against Sugar Ray Leonard. Although he put Leonard on the canvas, he was not able to take the title.
With younger brother Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) now in the ring, the family hopes for a return to the glory days.
But Micky's chances of success are built on the training skills of Dicky - now a crack addict - and Alice, his self-serving manager.
All Micky seems to get out of his fights is severe beatings.
When Charlene Fleming (Amy Adams) enters his life, things start to change.
She can see through the many shortcomings of the family and encourages Micky to find professional boxing help.
With Dicky going off to prison, Micky finally gets his break and turns his career around.
After slowly climbing the ladder, Micky gets his shot at a world title but first he must settle the family issues that continue to dog him.
However, he must ask himself whether he can win a world title without his brother in his corner.
Based on a true story, The Fighter is so much more than a boxing movie. It is about having the spirit to overcome adversity.
(M), Roadshow Entertainment
4/5
