Southpaw

We can always criticize Hollywood for bringing movies that are intended to toss some smoke to the viewer by presenting something new with repeated formulas and recycled plots we have seen somewhere else before. The same goes for "Southpaw"... apart from the fact that there's something more lying inside this story about a boxer's redemption. The answer to it is the trust it puts into the strength of its actors and the gripping emotions that come with it.

There's a little sparkle that starts to light up inside of us during the very first minutes of the movie. And even if we barely have the time to see Gyllenhaal and McAdams' characters, we didn't need more because we were instantly dragged towards an emotional charge that never abandons the plot and whose "legacy" is carried on the main actor's shoulders.

Gyllenhaal doesn't skip a beat and keeps his character's pain and rage constantly vivid in every detail - we feel it because we've somewhat experienced in our lives what it means to lose someone we love and feel lost afterward. We felt the struggle coming after the loss of a bond as strong as that one. That's why his performance is relentless and immaculate.

Truth is that the genuine side of "Southpaw"'s plot is based on the main character's fall and his irreproachable route to stand up again, reach the top once more. Only this time, the fight has completely changed and the goals are different, goals that make us question what we really fight for in our life.

You already know this story but not told under these terms. Hollywood has crafted good flicks about fighters/boxers in the last few years and "Southpaw" follows a line that is close to the more recent "Warrior", starring Joel Edgerton and Tom Hardy due to its "underdog" screenplay. What makes this movie different from the rest is the ineluctable emotion that never departs and befalls us, stirring and stirring our inner feelings.

We don't always need to criticize a movie for its predictability. "Southpaw" is predictable but it's also honest in assuming itself as such because its purpose - and I believe, Antoine Fuqua's purpose - is to divert our attention towards something more meaningful. And when a movie pierces the bone to reach our heart and soul with this impact, then it deserves our respect and acknowledgment.

"Southpaw" is, quite simply, liberating.

I love jake gyllenhaal This movie changed my life After watching this movie i left and leave smock and start exercising and box and after 3 year I transferred to a strong man. I love you jake i love you southpaw

The heartbreaking tale of a professional boxer struggling to balance riches and fame with compassion and love. Though, a drive inside, powers a determined outlook to achieve a mighty comeback.

Boxer Billy Hope hits rock-bottom after losing his family and falls into depression. His encounter with a former boxer gives him hope to stand up once again.

'Southpaw' strives to capture the highest highs as well as the lowest lows of life. Jake Gyllenhaal shines in his lead role, encapsulating all the emotions from desperation and frustration, to pure joy and elation. The sports film ensures a level of authenticity is maintained throughout, though it is the scenes portrayed outside the ring that are arguably most potent.

Antoine Fuqua very much mirrors the pace and intensity of a boxing match. One criticism of the spectacle is that it never comes up for breath, it's constant throughout, making for an extreme 120 minutes. The changing of events are too sudden, while the lack of light-heartedness means a lack of tonic for the heavy thriller.

Performances across the board are sensational. Gyllenhaal and Rachel McAdams are standout, with Forest Whittaker's supporting role providing the perfect blend of personalities for the drama unfolding on-screen.

A true rollercoaster of emotions that conveys what is truly important - family and love. Highlighting traits of determination, belief and resilience as the core of not only sport, but life itself.

For many, the film may seem exaggerated and extreme. However, its good intentions and detail of writing and illustrating the sporting world, makes 'Southpaw' enjoyable viewing.

Beastly acting. emotionally powerful and very moving. and an awesome job of making you feel what he is feeling. A unique and intriguing character brought to life by the phenomenal acting of Jake Gyllenhaal who has become one of the best. forest Whitaker, Rachel mcAdams and the kid were great too. 50 cent shouldn't have been in the movie tho (2 viewings)

First of all...this is wrong, why i have to write in English only, i want to write in Spanish, i don't have that right???. OK, going to the point that matters...the movie is extraordinary whether you are a boxer, whether you where a boxer or if you don't even know what boxing is, like someone says down here. I watch it in the night, and the next morning when i woke up i was feeling so weird (like in a good way i think). It provoke on mi something very difficult to describe. It touches my most intimate fiber, it came with a strong emotional charge. Although I understand that not everyone feels the same way, you never, NEVER can put 1,2,3, or 4 stars to this movie...they are qualifications to fit in Aladdin movie, don't be cruel, don't be like that, don't be that guy, think, with that qualifications the movie rate falls apart. The actor are really exceptional...Mcadams is great truly great, although she participates in the first part her essence will remain with you all the way. Forest...there is nothing to say about him that someone doesn't know, the way that he adopts that kind of character is beautiful. And Gyllenhaal is becoming one of my favorites really, he is truly magnificent. It can't be bad with persons who work in this level. Watch it please, y cannot take it out of my head, i repeat, at least for my as a boxing fan that i am, it left me with a mix of emotions that only few movies have provoke that on my. Just watch it an i hop you can enjoy it as i did. From Uruguay, my regards to all of you, enjoy your life.