Le Combattant

The greatest boxing film of all time -- of many to choose from -- is Cinderella Man (2005). It is technically perfect, it remains exhilarating no matter how many times you watch it, it is on my IMDb list of great films, and it stars Russell Crowe. This boxing film also stars Russell Crowe. But the similarities end there. This film is an interesting experiment in combining a sports film with an historical biography ... to see how they mix? The result is entertaining, but in many places awkward and imbalanced. The moment the protagonist becomes champion, he immediately chooses a dark path. The viewer is disappointed. The moment the protagonist has a chance at redemption, the scriptwriter (who is also the star!) borrows every trope and trick you have ever seen in a Rocky film, and throws them onscreen. To see what sticks. Another disappointment. The pattern becomes clear. No matter how often Belcher wins, the audience always ends up the loser.

Pretty good film, good story, some great acting - especially by Winstone - but it doesn't inspire you or evoke emotion like Cinderella Man. Still recommend it though.

Not sure why it has such a low score from the critics compared to the popcorn audience. I enjoyed it. Found it believable. Maybe it's too real. Making a champion is simple. But the simplest things can be difficult. And boring to watch perhaps. Perhaps it's just a little too British? Especially the ending. If you love sports biographies, it's worth a watch.

The film is okay, entertaining biographical film about the rise (and fall) of a young prizefighting boxer.

However, a few things don't line up with the real timeline. Jem never met his grandfather, he died before he was born. And the rules of boxing seem to be about 60 years younger than they were at this time. Also, whoever decided to put the saturation of the picture on this film to +10000% needs sacking.

I take my hat of to Matt Hookings for righting and directing this but it's been done before and better, standard plot line and I didn't overly care for his character. Ray Winston does a great turn as Ray Winston (no harm, no foul 😃) but Cinderella Man or million Dollar baby had me both heavily invested in characters and in tears at points, this has neither. Watch, Enjoy & Review.