CINDERELLA MAN MOVIE
CINDERELLA MAN FULL
CINDERELLA MAN LICENSE

The movie also wants to depict how Braddock came to represent faith for those hardest hit by the Great Depression, but it never achieves the resonance of Seabiscuit, which accomplished that same goal brilliantly. The boxing scenes are competent but lack the emotional weight of those in Raging Bull or, more recently, Million Dollar Baby.

But the film is not the Oscar-caliber masterpiece it’s being sold as. It’s hard (perhaps impossible) not to be moved by Jim Braddock’s life. Although the emphasis is typically on Braddock, Giamatti really conveys the feeling that Joe is elated by how his fate shifts.Ĭinderella Man is obviously a great – and inspirational – story. When Braddock starts winning, Joe’s luck changes as well. Joe is a true friend who looks out for Braddock even while his own fortunes are starting crumble. After turning in flawless performances in American Splendor and Sideways, Giamatti takes a supporting role this time but does an equally great job with it. Paul Giamatti is also outstanding as Joe Gould. She makes Mae a very influential character in the story because, in a lot of ways, she’s the moral center. When he does step in the ring, she can’t even listen on the radio because it’s too painful to think of him getting punched. There’s an interesting dynamic between Braddock and Mae near the end she fears he will be hurt or killed in the ring, whereas he sees fighting as the most logical way to dig the family out of its financial hole. She prepares for any situation that may arise. Where Braddock is the dreamer who refuses to surrender the dream, Mae is the practical one. Renee Zellweger does not play a stereotypical “wife role” here. ( Gladiator and Master and Commander show other sides of this ability.) The actor always projects a natural self-confidence that makes us believe in his ability to survive. This is the type of role at which Crowe excels. He steadfastly clings to the idea that his family’s luck will eventually improve. No matter how dire things get, Braddock refuses to go down for the count. His performance is one of quiet determination. Russell Crowe does a superb job playing Braddock. This is the kind of movie actors dream about because the roles are so juicy. (During his time on the docks, his left hand gains strength, which helps in the ring.) Suddenly, Jim Braddock is on top again. To everyone’s astonishment, he actually wins the world heavyweight championship. In other words, this is Braddock’s chance to make a few bucks for a one-time fight. Joe explains that no “legitimate” boxer will step in so quickly without a formal training period. The commission needs someone to fill in at the last second. One of the opponents in a major upcoming title fight has bowed out due to illness. Luck turns around when Joe shows up one day with an offer. His lowest point is reached when he wanders back into Madison Square Garden and humbly begs for money from his former employers. It’s still not enough to pay all the bills. To make ends meet, Braddock works occasionally at a local dock.

CINDERELLA MAN LICENSE

The boxing commission revokes his license because of his inability to put on a “show.” His trainer, Joe Gould (Paul Giamatti), is still a friend, but there’s little Joe can do. Meanwhile, Mae fills a milk bottle with water to make it last longer, and the children complain of hunger.ĭue to a broken right hand, Braddock can no longer fight. Braddock’s nice home has turned into a dingy basement apartment and his fancy suit has been replaced by worn-out clothing.

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The shot dissolves into another that takes place four years later, when the Great Depression is in full swing. After the fight, he returns to his spacious home where wife Mae (Renee Zellweger) and children wait for him. When the film opens, we see Braddock in the ring, enjoying the successful knockout of an opponent.

Braddock (Russell Crowe), a champion boxer in the early part of the 20th century. Cinderella Man is the true story of James J.

Cinderella man