It’s no surprise that “The Fighter” has earned numerous nominations and awards, because the performances by its cast are incredible. The film is based on the true story of welterweight boxer Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) who was trained by his
It’s no surprise that “The Fighter” has earned numerous nominations and awards, because the performances by its cast are incredible. The film is based on the true story of welterweight boxer Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) who was trained by his older half-brother Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale), a former boxing hero challenged with drug addiction. “The Fighter” exhibits the raw and emotional dynamics of a working class family living on the rough side of Lowell, Massachusettes.
The movie is filmed in an almost home video style in the beginning as HBO is documenting Eklund’s life. A little bit hazy, the artistry involved with this type of filming is a breath of fresh air in an age of computer-animated, digitally-enhanced films.
Eklund’s crack cocaine addiction led to poor judgment calls as he and his mother, Alice Ward (Melissa Leo), managed Ward’s boxing career. Leo plays the emotional, fiery, chain-smoking, mother role well and creates a high level of drama throughout the film. After several losses, Ward is placed in a match against a competitor with 20 pounds on him. Ward takes a real beating and begins to question his family’s intentions to look out for his best interests.
With the encouragement of his new girlfriend Charlene Fleming (Amy Adams), Ward chooses to step away from his mother and brother’s drama to fight under a new manager, which stirs up a heated confrontation baetween his mother, seven sisters, girlfriend and father. Those who think their own family is dysfunctional will find a new appreciation for family quarrels after this face-off.
It is refreshing to see Adams cast in this role, because while she is lovely in a fair-skinned, redheaded role, she does not fit the stereotypical Hollywood actress’ role of tan, blonde and overly thin. She’s sassy, strong, and sexy while able to deliver quite a punch of her own.
Ward is the quiet hero who has endured and suffered the emotional pain of living in his older brother’s shadow while under his crazed mother’s control over his career. Wahlberg’s acting shines as he captures Ward’s inner turmoil. It is clear Wahlberg trained for a committed period of time before filming “The Fighter.” The fine musculature and orb like proportions of his back and biceps make for a very believable boxing physique.
While Eklund believes the HBO documentary is being filmed for his comeback, he later discovers the harsh reality of the film’s true intention: documenting crack cocaine addiction. Bale gives a powerful and convincing performance throughout the film, especially in a withdrawal scene during a stint in prison. This is just the sobering Eklund needs in order to reclaim his place in his brother’s life and boxing career.
Ward eventually realizes that he needs his brother, because despite his shortcomings, Eklund has taught him everything he knows about boxing. Eklund trains Ward as he prepares for a championship match in Europe. The fighting scenes throughout the film are well done and Wahlberg performed all of them himself rather than using a stunt double, a commendable feat.
From start to finish, the cast of “The Fighter” are convincing in every aspect, especially in regards to the frailty of an individual’s experience. The film’s themes related to family and triumphs of the human spirit are something everyone can relate to. It is truly an inspiration.
Be sure to see “The Fighter” when it comes next to the historic Waimea Theater.
