cricketbat
The Fighter isn't your average boxing movie. This film features an interesting look into family ties and their importance and impact. Christian Bale gives a very impressive performance as Dicky Eklund - I had to keep reminding myself that this was the same guy who plays Batman. This film takes a while to get going, and it feels a lot longer than it is, but it's still very well made and deserving of praise.
CarpeDiem12
This a great American family drama movie. Shows the ups and downs of a big crazy family with 2 boxers in the family. The big ''legend'' Bale and his young brother Wahlberg. This story is about how the younger brother who looks up to his crack addicted older ''legend' brother for guidance and advice, has to turn away from him and his toxic family to succeed in his boxing career. It shows the struggles of a young fighter as he attempts to turn his life around after always living in the shadows of his brother. How he faces dilemma's when confronted with his family and newfound love interest (amy adams) about what is good for his career. Walhberg does a good job with his role but the supporting cast take the cake. Bale, Melissa Leo and Adams all acted incredibly and are worthy of the awards. This just shows how well acted this whole film is.
Harrison Tweed (Top Dawg)
Yes it's been done so many times. Yes, Director David O. Russell is a great director, but this type of film is not in his wheelhouse. But it is now! Wow, what a pleasant surprise this film was. The screenplay and direction combined made this film look like it's the first boxing film I've ever seen. But the real hero in this film is the insane chemistry and performances of both Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale, the latter just nailing his role. Amy Adams and Melissa Leo were also amazing in their roles. Then finally add to the mix that this is based on a true story - and executed perfectly, you end up with greatness in film- making. A truly enjoyable film and a must see! It's a 9/10 from me!
Inception Report
Say what ever you want about David O Russell as a person but you cannot deny how brilliant he is as a director and The Fighter is a fantastic movie from him. As I previously said The Fighter is a conventional boxing movie but when making one of them there are a few things that you need to have for one terrific performances and this film has that with Christian Bale manages to do steal the entire movie with his sympathetic and deluded performance making for an extremely interesting character arc. Mark Wahlberg is also fantastic in this movie giving possibly the best performance of his career as Micky Ward because you can just get behind him not just because Wahlberg is a likable actor but because he convincingly conveys the characters personal struggle. Another thing a conventional boxing movie needs in Good boxing matches and they are expertly filmed making for very intense sequences leaving you on the edge of your seat. Melissa Leo is very good in this movie but you never really understand why she is so horrible towards Micky and Adams character and seeing as it is a big part of the movie that's a lot of unanswered questions. The romance between Wahlberg and Adams characters is excellent and that's a good thing because if it hadn't been it could have brought the movie down but no you buy the confidence that Ward gets from Charlene and the chemistry is top notch. The Fighter doesn't hold back on the raw emotion and heartbreak in this movie and it makes you care even more that the characters get over these heartbreaks. The worst thing about The Fighter is its conventional aspects but this is out shined by the performances, characters, direction, arcs making for an excellent movie. 86%-A-
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