Le feu intérieur

Honestly, I feel ashamed that I've never heard of Claressa Shields. How does she win two back to back and not become a household name? Yet, the runners, gymnastics, and swimmers easily do. This just proves women have a long way to go, because if this was a man I'm sure it would be different. Than again, I couldn't tell you a single successful Olympic boxer. Maybe I'm just completly in the dark about a number of sports. Whatever it is, this movie pointed out a real problem that's out there.

As far as a sports movie goes, this one is interesting in the fact it's not a lead up for her to win gold, instead that's just the half way point. This is more about the struggle of what came after for Claressa after becoming a world champion. It was sad and disgraceful.

I loved this movie a lot, it's worth your time and is beautifully done. The acting of Ryan Destiny and Brian Henry is phenomenal!

This was AMC Screen Unseen on December 16th. A wonderful suprise for my first screen unseen.

The true story of Claressa Shields, a high school junior from Flint, Michigan, who became the first American woman to win Olympic boxing gold, only to discover that not all dreams are equal and the real fight has just begun.

Ryan Destiny plays Shields, a young girl who decides she wants to box, and Jason Crutchfield (Brian Tyree Henry) a local volunteer who helps kids train, and takes her under his wing. Under his tutelage Claressa wins an olympic gold medal, only to find that it doesn't mean what she thinks it means so she takes it to a pawnshop as it's value is meaningless to her.

This is a story of the true face of becoming an olympic athlete: the sacrifices that have to be made, the hardship along the way, and the rewards that sometimes don't match the effort.

The cast is strong, the writing and direction is great, the film feels like an exercise in positive motivation. But it's a film of dedication and commitment and almost brought me to tears at times.

A story beautifully told, I gave it a solid 7.

When I first encountered this film, I had no inkling that it was about Claressa Shields. My introduction to her was through some Love & Hip Hop drama with Papoose and Remy Ma. However, upon immersing myself in The Fire Inside, it became evident that Shields is a force to be reckoned with, both inside and outside the ring. This movie, with its unique perspective, delves deep into the challenges of gender disparities in boxing and the arduous journey to the Olympics. It's a true underdog story that delivers a powerful punch of inspiration, leaving you with a renewed sense of determination.

Ryan Destiny came in swinging as Claressa, nailing the role with precision. You can tell she put in the work, which shows in those solid boxing scenes-they give just enough to hook you, letting your imagination fill in the gaps for the rest. Brian Tyree Henry played the role of coach and mentor like a true corner man, offering steady guidance and grit throughout the film

This movie certainly packs a punch. Unlike most 'based on a true story' films that stick to predictable formulas, The Fire Inside manages to break the mold. It skillfully weaves in drama, character growth, and just the right mix of struggle and triumph. It's a breath of fresh air in the boxing film genre, offering a unique blend of heart and history.

Final verdict? A strong 4 out of 5-it's a title fight worth watching!

The Fire Inside (2024) is a movie my wife and I saw in theaters this evening. The storyline follows Claressa "T-Rex" Shields as she navigates a challenging upbringing in Flint, Michigan. When she discovers boxing and begins chasing her Olympic dreams, we witness the struggles of balancing discipline with the demands of family, romantic interests, and a coach who both loves her and pushes her to greatness. The question remains: can she live up to her extraordinary potential?

This film is directed by Rachel Morrison in her major motion picture debut and stars Ryan Destiny (Star), Brian Tyree Henry (Bullet Train), De'Adre Aziza (She's Gotta Have It), and Olunike Adeliyi (Saw 3D).

The storyline, subplots, and characters are gripping and larger than life. Claressa's tragic upbringing, combined with the harsh realities of Flint, Michigan, makes her an easy character to root for. Ryan Destiny and Brian Tyree Henry deliver standout performances, with authentic dialogue and strong chemistry. The writing is better than expected, offering compelling storytelling about family dynamics, the challenges faced by women in sports, and the importance of self-worth.

In conclusion, The Fire Inside is an inspiring and impactful film about a remarkable individual overcoming impossible odds. I would score this a 7.5/10 and strongly recommend it.

We had not heard of this movie but took a chance on it. We were very pleasantly surprised! From the very start to the end it kept your attention and brought tears to your eyes several times.

This movie was cast really well and the acting was superb. The story is amazing and was an excellent depiction of what life in poverty can be like.

The struggles she overcame by channeling her anger and her coach's dedication.

Love that this is an actual true story as it's so inspiring!! Also like that there's no nudity so this is one the entire family can see together.

Would highly recommend this movie.