The Golden Boy

De La Hoya fights evoked such paroxysms of excitement, weeks and weeks ahead of his fights. Never ducked the hard fight. Pure pugilist. What a boxer! Some fighters come along now and then and they seem so I'll-suited to the sport, if it weren't for the fact that they just glide balletically around as if gravity isn't a concern for them. Gracefulness wrapped inside a left lead that he would detonate whenever he saw the gap. It's such a huge shame that these warriors, these towering figures, cannot experience and enjoyment. As he says himself: "I can see in my eyes that I don't want to fight. I just wanted to be loved". A heartbreaking, flawless examination of one persons manifestation of pain.

Not sure why this is getting so few reviews, but it's definitely worth the time. The fight footage is fantastic (duh), but much more importantly, the background about La Hoya and the interviews and the insights (from La Hoya as well as his family/partners/kids/business associates) are great. And the story is super interesting - I saw some of his fights on TV years ago, and liked him, but had no idea what was really going on...

Ok, yeah, I'm not completely convinced that even now he's come completely to grips with all that's happened (read: that he's done) in his life based on his character - particularly his treatment of some people close to him - but the fact that he even made this film, and is this honest in it, says a lot. The biggest thing that comes thru is that, for good or for bad, taking risks is always the way to go. I never realized how much he had done that.....

But most importantly, it's just really fun to watch!

I have been a boxing fan since 7yrs old. That's 46years of loving the sport. And have definitely been an Oscar fan. Was able to meet him, get a photo and an autograph before his fame exploded. This documentary shows his struggles and rise to fame. It finally tells the truth of the The Golden Boy. One of the best sports documentaries I have ever seen. Exciting flash backs as I have attended many of Oscar's fights in the past. That being said, this is a sad introspective into Oscar's real persona. But I love the raw honesty. Who is the real Oscar? All I can say is, we really never know our sports idols. The Golden Boy is definitely worth the watch!

I don't know much about this figure overall, since I am not much into competitive sports.

But HBO is ever a great network that continously provides a vast and interesting filmography of great dramas, or, in this case, documentaries.

This one does indeed fall very much in line with their other great works. It is very tightly paced and keeps up the interest beautifully. It is very well cut and edited, and showcases some good cinematography.

Overall, I would highly recommend this, whether you are interested in the subject or not. It does raise interest throughout its run regardless, and is a very competently made piece!

The Golden Boy is an emotional and honest portrayal of a champion's life, showing not just the glory but the immense sacrifices behind it. The story takes you through the highs and lows, capturing moments of triumph alongside the raw realities of personal and professional struggles. It feels deeply personal, with performances that bring genuine heart to the screen.

The pacing is perfect, keeping you hooked from start to finish, while the emotional depth hits hard. Whether or not you're a fan of sports, this film resonates as a story of resilience and humanity. It's inspiring, heartbreaking, and unforgettable.