zkonedog
After just recently viewing this 1979 film "The Champ", it has a little bit in common with three more contemporary films:-Million Dollar Baby (for the gritty, real-world perspective that director Franco Zeffirelli brings to the movie)-Rocky (for the underdog story)-Over The Top (for the father/son relationship and custody battle)For a basic plot summary, "The Champ" tells the story of Billy (Jon Voight) and his son TJ (Ricky Schroder). Though Billy is adored by the best son a father could ever want in TJ, Billy is also a compulsive gambler and drinker, thus not being able to provide the best environment for the young boy. When the boy's mother (Faye Dunaway) comes back into the picture, Billy (once a professional boxer) decides to step back into the ring again to try and make a few more big paydays to take care of his beloved boy.There are a few things that this film doesn't quite nail, but they are so far overshadowed by what it does right:-The acting is terrific. Schroder turns in perhaps the greatest child-star performance of all-time, while Voight and Dunaway also turn in dramatic and emotional roles.-The direction of Zeffirelli is, much like a modern-day Clint Eastwood, very realistic and down- to-earth. Much like life, there are shades of grey thrown into every decision the main characters do or do not make. It isn't just a wild soap opera with easily distinguished bad guys and heroes.-This film also pulls at the male heartstrings (yes, they do exist!) like almost no other. The themes of the father/son relationship and Billy's enduring struggle with gambling/alcohol, all eventually summed up in a sporting-atmosphere that men can relate to, create a perfect storm of male emotion that is difficult to not get overwhelmed by. If you don't shed a tear when the credits roll, you'll have to question whether you are alive at all.Overall, this is one of the better dramas you will ever watch. The overall screenplay could have been a bit tighter, but the emotional scenes more than make up for those shortcomings. Make sure to watch with the Kleenex box by the couch. As clichéd as that seems, for this film it's just the truth.
writetostephengatley
This film is one of the few films underrated for no good reason. Being a media student, i really loved the film. The theme is good but the screenplay is even better. Though it is a 1970's movie... it really holds your attention. The acting was remarkable. I have no idea why this movie has a rating of only 6.1 .... The theme is a kinda similar to that of "The Wrestler", though the story line is different but former is a little more realistic than the latter ... This film definitely deserves an Oscar. It was a hit during those days but now the movie has lost its popularity. Do not go by how old the movie is ... It is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Jonathan Friedman
I'm shocked by how deeply disrespected this film is. Not only is it a wonderful, touching film - but a masterpiece demonstration in character study. In essence, this is a love story. Not a traditional one, mind you - but a story of incredible love between a father and son. The acting is, across the board - PHENOMENAL. I would even argue that Ricky Schroders performance (especially considering his age), is among the very best in the ENTIRE history of cinema. I don't believe that to be even a mild exaggeration. To watch the incredible and genuine love between father and son is remarkable. I've always been and shall remain blown away by this film. Easily one of my favorite movies ever.
Winds_of_Destination
...with the rating of this masterpiece. A 5.8/10? -_- I am upset about this.What you have here is an epic movie that deserves a 9/10. It's the story of the love between a boy and his father, and the boy trying to make it on his own when his mother and father can't.The movie starts out very big on horse-racing, showing how Jon Voight, "The Champ", is and gives brief glimpses into his past life. After awhile though, his whole past comes back to him when his son unknowingly meets his mother and develops a bond with her. Conflict between him and his wife rises and we see even deeper into what was a merely a shell of his life in the beginning of the film; he is complicated and emotionally bruised man, snapping sometimes at his son that he loves with all his heart.The film has the most believable performances I have ever seen on screen, and is a tearjerker. But it doesn't try to make you cry once; the entire second half of the film is full of these scenes. Some work while others don't. Either way, it shows the true power and delicacy of unconditional love, and the way it ends leaves you gasping for breath because of the emotional impact it leaves. Not perfect, but it deserves a solid 9.0/10.
AD
