The Fighter (2010)

It is rare in this day of sequels and remakes to find a quality film that is both original and engrossing, but the movie “The Fighter” definitely meets these standards in every way possible. While the story itself may not seem original at first (we’ve all seen the underdog boxer winning in the end in at least six Rocky movies) it is told in such a different way that it seems both fresh and familiar. The superb acting, directing, and story-telling all blend perfectly in a film that is neither melodramatic nor slow, but simply tells its story confidently the way it was meant to be told without trying to oversell it or “beef it up”.  One can only hope that other studios will take note and attempt to make more films like it, but alas this does not seem entirely likely.

 Many of us may have grown a bit tired of boxing films after all those Rocky films, which are admittedly pretty good boxing films, but still one grows tired of the same thing again and again. The Fighter, however, takes a much different approach than any of the Rocky films, as we really delve deep into the main character (Micky Ward). Rather than focusing on Micky Ward’s (played by an always charming Mark Wahlberg) training or his various fights as we often see in boxing movies, director David O. Russel chooses to focus more on Micky’s relationship with his family, especially with his brother Dicky (played by a remarkably thin Christian Bale here). The movie brings in several supporting characters and really makes us feel as if this story were really happening, and indeed the movie is in fact based upon a true story. Thankfully, Russel is very skilled at reminding us that this is in fact a real story without throwing it in our face. For example, when the movie begins it is presented in a documentary-type style, indeed there is a bit of a movie within a movie here before the film gradually transfers into a more typical film style.

 All of the characters are well rounded and we can see in each one of them their own selfish desires, even Micky is not immune to them. Neither is Micky’s girlfriend (the lovely Amy Adams), who seems to go overboard in her effort to separate him from his overbearing family. The film itself strives to teach its audience a few lessons, and it succeeds without ever really feeling preachy or melodramatic, which is quite an accomplishment unto itself.

Russell is truly effective at drawing us into the story, and to be honest I probably could have watched a film about any one of the various subplots and been satisfied, the boxing at the end really feels like icing on top of the cake. Of course, icing is often the best part of the cake, and that is truly the case in this film. Although we almost forget about Micky’s real goal amidst all the other drama, once the film reaches its climax we quickly realize this is the moment we have been waiting for all along.

Films like The Fighter seem to be rare now, but one can only wonder why. Perhaps there aren’t many special effects or much over-the-top action (although the fights at the end are plenty exciting), but the movie has what many other big films lack, a decent story and plot. The Fighter doesn’t try to make its story more than what it is with a loud blaring soundtrack or confusing dialogue and non-stop action, it simply tells its story, believing (correctly so) that it is good enough as is. Take note, Hollywood!

-Ryan Maples

Rating: 9.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0964517/?ref_=nv_sr_1