5 Best evergreen Boxing Movies for a thrilling pump before workouts
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The best Boxing Biographies on film
It is difficult to put a sportsman’s life to film. The endless nights of training, early morning runs and the hurt and pain coursing through your bones every hour of the day is something that light and sound cannot capture in it’s true essence.The lack of quality boxing movies arises from this problem that it becomes very difficult to capture the essence of f ighter on film alone.
While there certainly are great boxing movies, it is mostly the exception than the norm. The Rocky series and it’s spin-off sequel Creed is a good example of this as they’re able to bring in an added layer of authenticity by casting actual boxers and boxing personnel in supporting roles. However, regardless of how good they may be, it’s still fiction and hence is not really the same.
Throughout time, however, some directors and motivated actors try to capture that essence and come near close to it. This is best done with biographical films in the boxing world, so here are 5 of the greatest Boxing movies that will motivate you to hit the bags once the credits start to roll.
Top BIOGRAPHICAL Boxing Movies of ALL time
Cinderella Man
The Russel Crowe starrer, directed by Ron Howard tells the story of former heavyweight champion James J Braddock. While the movie has been nominated for 3 Oscars, it is obscure in the average boxing fan’s library which I personally believe is due to the title being partly misleading. However, the movie surely is the story of a “Cinderella Man”, who managed to come back to a sport he quit and capture the title he never could.
Set in the 1930’s it manages to capture the troubles of living during the Great Depression and the lengths a man can go to make sure his family has a better life. Moreover, the film is accurately able to convey the symbolic bond between an impoverished public and a fighter, raised from their own ranks to achieve it all. It is a perfect example of an ever-green boxing movie
Hands of Stone
Perhaps one of the most hard-hitting stories about one of the most hard-hitting fighters, the movie follows the life of Roberto Duran, the future middleweight champion among the 4 horsemen of his age. It follows Duran’s upbringing in Panama to his trilogy with Sugar Ray Leonard. While the movie can get a bit slow at times, it is a perfect example of a boxing movie downright.
Also Read: WATCH: Sugar Ray Leonard absolutely DESTROYS pads with his boxing at a commendable age of 66
Bleed For This
This movie is a perfect example of putting the pain and will require to be a combat star to screen. Miles Teller shines as Vinnie Pazienza in a dark comedy/drama movie that chronicles Paz’s horrifying car accident and eventual return to boxing.
The Fighter
Another Oscar-nominated flick, it stars big names like Christian Bale, Mark Wahlberg, and Amy Adams in lead roles. It follows the life of Mickey Ward on his quest to become a world champion being trained by his brother, Dick Eklund. Dick is a former boxer himself who once knocked down Sugar Ray Leonard, but is currently a drug addict struggling to keep his life in place.
It is an enticing watch, with its funny moments thanks to it being set up in Boston.
Ali
Save the greatest for the last. It is unfair that Muhammad Ali gets to have all the accolades from best boxer to best sports film all to his name. While some may disagree that the film does lack actual boxing, it is a very honest portrayal of Ali as a man. Will Smith shines in the role as he is able to rightly convey the double life he was leading struggling with his emotions while having to be a role model for the world.
The final 15-minute sequence of the Rumble in the Jungle makes up for anything the film lacks and delivers evergreen boxing movies.
Also Read: The Night Muhammad Ali nearly killed himself to overcome Joe Fraizer at the Thrilla In Manila
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Jerin Mathew
(713 Articles Published)