[xtypo_dropcap]I[/xtypo_dropcap]n his third partnership with director David O. Russell, Mark Wahlberg spent four years getting into shape to play the lead role of boxer (and real-life friend) Micky Ward. Shot on a measly $11 million budget in just 33 days, The Fighter recounts Ward’s painful, against-the-odds journey to becoming a world champion boxer.
[etssp 175]
More importantly, the film explores the complicated yet redemptive relationship between Micky and his older half-brother, Dicky Eklund, also a former professional boxer whose most memorable fight was a loss to icon Sugar Ray Leonard in 1978. Dicky, played by Christian Bale, was known affectionately as “The Pride of Lowell (Mass.)” before falling into a life of drugs and crime.
While the film certainly has its share of slow moments and clichéd lines, the performances by Bale, Wahlberg, Melissa Leo, and Amy Adams are nothing short of spectacular. I wouldn’t be surprised if the film garners Oscar buzz.
Bale’s eerily accurate portrayal of Dicky Eklund puts him squarely on the list for a much-deserved golden statue. Some of the most memorable scenes were centered on Bale’s brilliant re-enactment of Dicky’s darkest moments and his decision to clean up, redeem himself, and ultimately help in coaching Micky to the world champion title.
Amy Adams holds her own against heavyweights (no pun intended) Bale and Wahlberg—playing Micky’s girlfriend Charlene, a college-dropout bartender complete with an authentic Boston accent. An excellent performance from Melissa Leo as Alice Eklund, mother of Micky and Dicky, rounds out the cast and helps make The Fighter one of the best character films this year.
It’s also worthwhile to note that the fight sequences were filmed by the original HBO crew that shot the fights by the real Micky Ward in the 1980s, and Wahlberg chose to do all of the fight scenes without using a stunt double.
The Fighter is a tale of brotherhood, redemption, and the courage it takes to pursue one’s dreams despite the barriers and hardship that lie on the path. With excellent acting, a strong storyline, and authentic grittiness in the way the film was shot, it is ultimately a very powerful experience for the audience.
[etRating value=“ rating 4”]
