The Fighter (2010)

Directed by David O.Russell

Starring Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale and Amy Adams

 

The Fighter is based on the real story of boxer Micky Ward, and his brother and ex-boxer Dicky Ekland, and how he started in the professional boxing scene. The brothers are faced with many challenges which they have to face together and on their own which include dealing with each other, their family, relationships and drug addiction.

Christian Bale’s performance as the crazy and drug addicted Dicky Ekland was fantastic. He acted the role so well and you can see his likeness to the real Dicky during the end credits when he shows up saying thank you. His performance was noticed by the Academy Awards as he picked up the ‘Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role’
award, which was very much deserved.

The combination of Mark Wahlberg as Micky and Amy as his girlfriend Charlene worked well as they played off of each other. Charlene is the rock that Micky needed during all the problems with his family trying to take control of his life and his brother Dicky’s drug problem and going to jail.

Melissa Leo plays the role of Micky and Dicky’s mother Alice Ward. Her performance as a stern and bossy, yet just wanting the best for her children, mother is fantastic. She puts real heart into the role and you really believe her performance. Melissa Leo also picked up an Academy Award for her role, the ‘Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role’, which once again was very much deserved.

What makes this film great is the realism that each actor gives to their character, especially Bale, Adams and Leo. What helped achieve this were the real Micky and Dicky, amongst others, helping build the characters before and during filming. Bale spent so much time with the real Dicky as to perfectly match his mannerisms and give the performance of his life.

I would recommend this film to everyone. Do not think of this as a boxing film. Take it as a drama based on the real lives of a family and their struggles that are fantastically played out by actors.

 

 

Film Fact

The film was nominated for 7 Academy Awards – Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Achievement in Directing, Best Achievement in Film Editing, Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role and Best Writing, Original Screenplay – Winning 2 of them.