Cinderella Man

[Drama]

Release Date: 2005/09/23
Rating: PG
Director: Ron Howard
Cast: Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, Paul Giamatti

The true story of "Cinderella Man" takes place in the 1930s during the Great Depression. Jim Braddock (Russell Crowe) is a lightweight boxer who had a bright future until he was forced to retire after losing a series of matches, pushing him and his family into a difficult situation. During the Great Depression, Braddock keeps his family alive by doing odd jobs. His children still see him as a hero, but endure a life of hunger. His wife (Renee Zelleweger) continues to support him morally, but has to face the cruel reality. With poverty at his door, Braddock has no choice but to pick up his boxing gloves again. When he gets his chance in the ring, he wins match after match with his amazing willpower and determination, beating opponent after opponent. In the end, for a huge sum of prize money, he decides to challenge world heavy-weight champion Max Baer. This is the ultimate challenge for Braddock, but for his family's sake, he gives everything he has in this one final shot.

An inspirational movie taken from a true story, "Cinderella Man" is a real tear jerker that will certainly move the audience. Director Ron Howard has always had a talent in this area, knowing exactly when and where in a movie to create the most moving moments, aimed at inspiring the audiences. His previous film, "A Beautiful Mind", took actor Russell Crowe all the way to the Oscars. In "Cinderella Man", Ron Howard reunites the crew from "A Beautiful Mind". With the combination of a dramatic story line and the momentum of this film, one can be sure that the director once again has set his sights on the Academy Awards this year.
The best part of the film is most definitely the great acting of both Crowe and Zelleweger. Both characters have to endure a life of hunger and poverty, and the actors physically altered themselves to fit their roles by becoming visibly thinner, especially Zelleweger, who underwent a dramatic character and appearance change. Overall, Ron Howard's simplistic style is able to fully present the original story. However, like most inspirational films, it is hard not to fall into the same cliches. If you are in a bit of a rut (say you are unemployed at the moment), it wouldn't be a bad idea to come watch this movie, as it might just help you see your true self again and give some meaning to life.

By Cara Steenstra/Flora Wang/Uvia Chang Translated by Cara Steenstra
For specific showing times, please refer to theatre notices.