Manny

Manny appeared to be well-received in its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival. The film is certainly informative for those of us who haven't followed Manny Pacquiao's multi-faceted career carefully. His story of his rise from a hut in an obscure Philippine village to international superstar is a truly impressive rags-to-riches tale. He has managed to successfully leverage his boxing career to move into other arenas including acting, music, religion, product endorsement and most intriguingly now politics. His determination and hard work are extremely impressive as he has risen to become a transcendent figure in the Philippines. The film has a bit too much footage of too many fights and lacks in-depth analysis of who the man behind the fighter really is. The film often strays from documentary into hagiography so that it doesn't feel like a truly objective presentation. It comes off more like an extended campaign biography for his future political career as his boxing career is winding down. Some of the metaphors such as Manny as a "fighter" who fought for the pride of his country and now will fight for the people of the Philippines feel a bit forced. It is difficult to tell if his recent focus on his faith reflects a genuine transformation away from his past sinful ways - drinking and womanizing - or a political tool to enhance his future political career. The film remains informative and entertaining, but needs to be taken with several grains of salt.

I am not a boxing fan but, I liked learning about manny pacquiao.It's great that he came from nothing and was able to make a name for himself in boxing.

He is a senator in the Philippines, a boxer, he likes to sing, he is married, has kids. I knew none of those things before I watched Manny.

I thought manny was a good overview of his life. It was worth the time I spent watching it. I am glad I got to learn somethings about a man I did not know much about.

At the end of the day, when all the die-hard fans have had their say, this film will be remembered mainly for introducing Manny to a wider audience.

Which, to be clear, is a very good thing.

I have seen a lot of boxing films, and attended a number of live fights. I do believe that Manny by his very example has added a new chapter to the history of the sport. His speed, power, accuracy, and ability to throw at angles that would mystify even a geometry teacher -- these are awesome skills to behold. And his willingness to move outside his weight class, time after time, bespeaks a heart bigger than Wyoming. If not for this film, I would never have seen all this, and for that I thank the film makers.

Which leaves the topic of the film itself. First, what is the yardstick? If you do the research you will find that more feature films (bipic and documentary) have been done on Ali than any other boxer. Fortunately for this review, I have seen them all.

How does Manny compare, as a film? Not very well, I am afraid. It wanders and it lacks focus.

If Manny boxed like the director of this film directed, he would have knocked out while still a teenager.

In fairness, with Ali, there was a natural story arc in the way the entire world gave up on him going into the Foreman fight, and Manny's story lacks that central theme.

That said, it is still a weakish film.

I agree with the comments from JustCuriosity.

The documentary film is understandably biased and tries to win over viewers by tugging at their heart strings. After watching it, I did some reading up and realized that the facts are not as rosy as this title makes it out to be. The documented facts, about why the Mayweather Jr fight did not happen, were not fully revealed. Many viewers will rain glory on the title character but I came out wondering why he is still risking his life, after having achieved what no-one else has achieved, when he has a wife and 5 children. I see only an innocent teenager who has been corrupted by fame, wealth and greed as he grew up. The documentary also throws bad light on his Management and Promoter. But the best part was when the sports conditioner said that boxers are essentially chewed inside and out, and then tossed aside for the new.

I'm also amazed at why the title is released so late in the Phillipines (1 year after being released in USA...)

I did not have great expectations for this movie and I found myself immersed in watching it.

When I first started watching it, I thought it was another HBO boxing documentary but my feelings changed quickly in the first five minutes.

It does not just give you boxing but includes a very nice introspective on Manny the person from when he was growing up until his new perspective on life itself. Most people do not realize all the activities this man is associated with and the movie enables you to get a better perspective on the Pacman.

I really enjoyed it.

A hit in my books!