K.O. - Bleed for This

When it comes to film, there is no other sport that has delivered such powerful and emotional dramas on the big screen as boxing. It's the personal drama they delve into that makes them so relatable to audiences. That's not to say we've all climbed the Rocky Steps or assaulted family members as a result of paranoia though.

Many have been based on true stories and that is certainly the case with Bleed For This, a film based on the astonishingly courageous real life experiences of Vinny Pazienza.

Played by Miles Teller, Pazienza was a World Champion Boxer who was left not knowing whether he'd be able to walk again after a near fatal car accident caused severe spinal damage. Rather than let it defeat him, Pazienza aimed to get back in the ring, setting in motion one of the greatest comebacks in sporting history.

The biggest draw of Bleed For This are its performances, particularly the knock-out lead one given by Miles Teller, one of the hottest young actors in Hollywood today. Teller never loses the cockiness of Pazienza, even when he faces a life without boxing, turning him into such a remarkable character.

I really enjoyed the pairing of Teller and Aaron Eckhart as his trainer, Kevin Rooney. Eckhart hasn't really had much to shout about in recent years but I do think he's a good actor, showcasing it here with a good performance. Ciarán Hinds and Katey Sagal deliver fine performances as Vinny's mother and father, taking me a while to realise it was even them with the change in appearance.

The best boxing films are the ones that focus more on the goings on outside of the ring than inside it, and that's where Ben Younger gets it right with Bleed For This. Yes, a big part of the story is Vinny wanting to get back in the ring but Younger chooses to focus on the man himself and how driven an individual he was to get back to his best in the ring.

Younger also delivers some energetic boxing sequences, using quick edits and excellent sound mixing to almost feel like you're taking the punches at times. The brutality of the sport is wince- inducing at times so the film does warrant its rating however, the moment that had everyone wincing was when Vinny has the screws taken out of his head after six months of wearing the halo designed to help his neck recover. It's a moment that perfectly captures the severity of Vinny's accident as well as the aforementioned cockiness, Teller playing it for laughs.

If you're a fan of boxing films, Bleed For This is a film you will want to see. Don't dismiss it entirely if you aren't a big fan of boxing films because there is plenty to admire in this portrayal of one of the most inspirational comebacks in sporting history.

"Bleed for This" is a Biography - Sport movie in which we watch the real-life story of World Champion Boxer Vinny Pazienza. While a World Champion Boxer had a near fatal car crash from which it wasn't certain whether he would ever walk again or not. He didn't only walk again but he made one of sport's most incredible comebacks.

I really liked this movie because it was based on a real-life story of a great athlete who made the impossible, possible. The direction which was made by Ben Younger who is also the writer of this movie was simply amazing and he presented very well the difficulties and the obstacles that Vinny Pazienza faced and had to overcome in order not only to walk again but to fight. The interpretations of both Miles Teller who played as Vinny Pazienza and Aaron Eckhart who played as Kevin Rooney were simply exceptional. Some other interpretations that have to be mentioned were Ciarán Hinds' who played as Angelo Pazienza and Katey Sagal who played as Louise Pazienza and they both did a great job. I highly recommend everyone to watch this movie because I am sure that you will love it and after watching it you will remember it for a long time.

No spoilers here. I went to a screening last night in Los Angeles for 'Bleed for This'.

It's an excellent movie that delivers solid performances from the supporting cast. Oscar nominations abound.

Aaron Eckhart comes through with a dead-on take of Kevin Rooney (all the way down to the walk) and should be a shoo-in for an Oscar nomination.

Miles Teller shows a depth beyond his years in his portrayal of the Pazmanian Devil.

Highly recommend.

Gary Randall Craveonline.com

This is a biographical movie about the boxer Vinny Pazienza who broke his neck in a car accident and wear a halo brace for 6 months. His comeback to boxing is amazing. The story is a bit straightforward but it flows nicely and acting is all right. Overall, it is a nice watch.

Based on a true story, Vinny Pazienza overcomes a terrible car accident to return to the sport he truly loves, Boxing. I was a bit hesitant to see this movie because of all the previous movies about fighters. However the director quickly immerses you into Vinny's world and you are immediately hooked. What I liked most about the movie was how all the characters were so believable. The close family relationship, the mother's ritual when all the relatives are glued to the tube, the family dinners, ornaments etc. Everyone has a lot of soul and individuality. Vinny's determination is all important, but he has the affection and love from friends and family. Most of all he has his coach, portrayed by Aaron Eckhart. A man who is fighting is own demons of being a has been, wanting a winner, but also knowing that a coach must do what is best for those under his charge, regardless of what is best for him or others.