Since 1976 any film featuring Boxing inevitably has been compared to Rocky. Such was the power of Sylvester Stallone’s break-out hit that its shadow has loomed large over similar efforts. The Fighter reasonably attempts to escape its spectre by having a gritty authenticity that series lost over its many sequels. Its fine performances also help in a tale about rebuilding the pride and spirits of a shattered community.
Dicky Ecklund (Christian Bale) is a former Boxing champion living off the spoils of his fading fame. Attempting to help his half-brother Micky (Mark Wahlberg) follow in his footsteps, his descent into drug addiction ultimately lands him in jail. Learning to live without his guidance, Micky creates a name for himself through sheer determination and hard work. When Dicky is released from jail – clean and ready to face life – he aims to help his younger sibling to become the true symbol of hope he had always longed to be.
Whilst it adheres to some of the clichés of the sporting genre, The Fighter is an interesting study in developing self-esteem. Not only is this seen in the characters but in a township wanting a local hero to idolise. Where the pressure in aspiring to this drove Dicky on a self-destructive path, Micky has seen the pitfalls and learned from them. This also helps in his attempts in improving a life borne from an impoverished upbringing by his over-bearing mother who faces her own battle in learning to let her sons go.
Based on true events the screenplay doesn’t shy away from showing its protagonists in their sometimes uncomfortable glory. Especially Bale’s performance successfully embodies his character’s desperate needs for personal redemption and validation. Unfortunately Director David O. Russell’s aloof handling of such powerful material dilutes much of the emotional impact the story demands. You never feel you are truly there with the characters – a shame as other aspects of the production are first rate.
If one can dispel Rocky from the thoughts while watching The Fighter, then you’re halfway there in enjoying it. Not without faults and certainly by the numbers in parts, it’s still an involving tale in never giving up and improving one’s life no matter the circumstances.
Movie Review Rating 7 / 10
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
The Fighter released in Australia on Thursday 26 January 2011.
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