Risen

I recently saw this film and I must say I do not share the views of the other reviewers. The acting was consistently bad (with many a pause for actors to remember their lines or when they are supposed to come in) and the writers somehow managed to make real life (interesting) characters boring and one dimensional. I understand a lot of work went into the boxing training for this film and although the final scene's fight did look particularly realistic, I find the Jersey film festival's notion of the boxing scenes surpassing Raging Bull ridiculous. Perhaps they had not actually seen that infinitely superior film, that or they were under the influence of god knows what during the review process.

If you want to see a great boxing movie see Million Dollar Baby or Cinderella Man, or heck even Rocky IV - Stallone's mumbled delivery will seem like Shakespeare when compared to this horrendous waste of a budget.

Unless you're a die hard boxing fan who must watch any film that includes a boxing glove and a ring, then you can certainly afford to miss this. I was drawn to this film by a Welsh friend who told me that he'd heard it was supposed to be better than Raging Bull - my all time favorite film... I looked on IMDb and apparently this had a 3 million pound budget... after watching it I was left feeling hugely disappointed.

What did they spend £3m on? Shane Richie? The budget sounds made up. The poster with the review from 'New Jersey Film Festival' about it being better than Raging Bull sounds made up.. the cover art of a boxer stood in front of a packed stadium is made up, even 4 of the 5 reviews of this film sounds made up by someone who worked on this film. So much praise for this film is hugely suspicious.

If I hadn't just seen it, I'd think the film was made up.

If I was the director I would not focus on trying to make out that this is the greatest boxing film ever - see it's flaws, learn from it and make something better next time- please.

Ignore all the reviews written by people who aren't boxers, because only a boxer can tell you just how good the fight scenes were in this movie. But if you're one of those armchair critics that think Sylvester Stallone and Mr T are great boxers, or that Robert DeNiro coulda been a contender, then this film is *not* for you.

On the other hand, if you've actually boxed then you'll gasp at the authenticity of the fight scenes in this movie. You'll even double-take as you realise that one of his opponents is played by Erik Morales (world champion at four different weights)! Yes, this film is flawed here and there, and some of the acting is fairly dismal, but who cares? This is a *boxing* film and the one thing they get 100% right is the ring action.

See this movie, and then see Raging Bull - one is a boxer's film, the other is a Hollywood movie. Both are enjoyable to watch and are great biopics, but only one of them gets passed around on DVD at the boxing club....and it's not Raging Bull

I was lucky enough to see this film at the premiere in Cardiff and it was brilliant.

The life of Howard Winstone was a hard fought battle and the film portrays this perfectly. The cast deliver fantastic performances.

What makes a difference is that some of the people featured in the story actually appear in the film, working alongside young actors who are playing them. It makes it feel more personal having people who knew Howard taking part in the film.

I'm really looking forward to watching it again when the DVD comes out and everyone should try to see this if they get a chance!

Really enjoyed this film, high praise to the young Director. I thought the script was fantastic and it had a strong heartfelt storyline. It was great to see a boxing film that appealed to a much wider audience. Acting is second to none. Nice to see a mix of more established actors with some fresh young talent, i thought the casting was very well thought out. It was a blessing to know that the story of Howard Winstone had been researched so well and involved many of his friends and family. It was a very interesting storyline which wasn't ruined by being wrapped up in cotton wool. Strong photography throughout. Would recommend! :o)