Day of the Fight

Jack Huston's writer / director debut, New York boxing drama "Day Of The Fight", is beautifully shot in B&W but let down somewhat by its screenplay. The first bout in 10yrs (after a tragic car smash and its aftermath forced him out) for former Middleweight World Champion Michael Pitt (outstanding) is a televised world title fight (one of the film's many implausabilities) - which he spends the day of catching up with characters from his past (including Joe Pesci, Steve Buscemi, Ron Perlman, John Magaro, & Nicolette Robinson) and flashing back on moments that have brought him to this one. Huston's a better director than writer, but overall his debut is one with a solid punch.

I absolutely loved this movie. Where most screeenplay advice is "conflict conflict conflict," this movie is all about the resolution of conflicts. So It's quite unusual, as well as being shot in gorgeous black and white.

OK, it's not perfect - there are some plot moments that I found a bit hard to believe - but I didn't care. When every other movie seems to be about killing and cruelty, and the ones in between are so sugary I can't take them, how wonderful to see a film that is about making things right, forgiving wrongs, and sacrificing for those you love.

I hope it wins tons of awards. It deserves them.

A philosophical question, old as the hills, asks, IF YOU KNEW THIS WAS YOUR LAST DAY ON EARTH, what would you do differently? This is a fight film which is not a fight film, at least not what today's viewers expect. This is a film straight from the 1950s, in B&W in case you missed the clues. Where the script, the characterizations, the ambience are all more important than any punch thrown. Holds the attention. Recommended. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

Beautifully filmed in black and white.

This film will hopefully will be considered for every OSCAR category.

The story is the day in the life of Irish Mike. A former boxing champion who had an unfortunate turns of events. A character that you can't help but feel his pain and suffering. His story unfolds with past/present scenes, perfectly timed to understand the complexity of his life.

It was the best drama I have seen in many years. The emotional state it puts you in, where you are lost in the film, is something that I think all movie-goers crave. THIS MOVIE DELIVERS just that... Not a dull scene in the film and quite the cast.

By far Michael Pitt gave a phenomenal performance. Extraordinary chemistry with all the stars - especially his relationship with Ron Perlman's character.

I will be seeing it again in the theater - it is just too beautiful of a film to watch on a TV screen.

Michael Pitt is amazing in this , a great performance without one false note , this could have won an Oscar this year, if out on time , the scene with Joe Pesci is fantastic with both actors perfect. Hopefully this leads on to a career resurgence for Pitt , I could see him playing Chris in Heat 2 for instance . This was not just a one man show as the supporting cast was also fantastic, especially Pesci in an almost silent role and Ron Perelman who could have played this part in his sleep but brings a real presence to it . I believe if this had a different lead actor it be much better known but would not be the better for it ! Well done to all involved .