The Fighter

Jayde Walker
Feb 11, 2011
2 min read

This biographical dramatisation of boxer Mickey Ward frames adrenalin-pumping action against a emotionally frustrating backdrop of family loyalty without boundaries.

What’s the deal?

Wahlberg is Mickey Ward, a welterweight ‘stepping stone’ boxer from a white-trash Massachusetts family. He is the younger brother of crack addict Dicky Eklund (Bale), a has-been boxer who once knocked down Sugar Ray Leonard. Ward has lost his last few fights and needs a win to move himself up – however, things go pear-shaped when Mickey’s hand is shattered during a melee where Dicky is arrested. While Dicky is imprisoned, Mickey (spurred on by girlfriend Charlene, played by a delightfully skanky Amy Adams) takes on a new manager and – to the outrage of his clanlike family - begins to start afresh with success. But when he wins a televised fight stemming from the advice of his brother, Mickey’s loyalties again start to waver.

It’s good!

I'm not into boxing films at all, but The Fighter totally blew me away. I am, however, a long-time fan of both Christian Bale and Mark Wahlberg, back from Empire of the Sun and Fear respectively. Bale is astonishing as always while Melissa Leo, as Mickey's 'momager' is both hilarious and bloody scary. The editing of the fight scenes are absolutely superb, particularly Mickey’s title fight against contender Shea Neary. Overall, it's a brilliant mix of action, drama and pathos, alternating between Mickey’s rise, Dicky’s fall and the interplay between brother, lover and family relationships.

What’s wrong with you?

The cast is fantastic, but if there is criticism, it’s that Wahlberg seems to be playing more Marky Mark than Mickey Ward.

Neo-Maxi Zoom Dweeb-ery

It’s interesting to note that Leo and Jackie Weaver both received Supporting Actress Oscar nominees this year for playing the same type of role - domineering matriarchs of low-class, insular families prone to some sort of violence. Could be the 'battle of the battle-axes'.

Truth?

A must-see - definitely deserved of its accolades. I'm curious to see how it fares against Best Picture hot contender The King's Speech at the Oscars.

Bender Fist Pumps