Inspired by the true story of Dicky Eklund, a famous boxer, who achieves many champions throughout his life, this movie follows the struggles of Micky Ward, the younger brother of Dicky, who has to train hard, in order to achieve champions such as his brother did before, by receiving help and advice from him.
But while this was amusing in a comedic or satiric context, it backfires in a dramatic narrative in which the protagonist should warrant our sympathies.
Only Amy Adams, playing Micky's tough-tender girlfriend Charlene, manages to be convincingly working-class without seeming either dopey or rabid or strung-out.
It's audacious, it's fun, it's rowdy, and it's just twisted enough to always be interesting. Beyond that, it's one of the year's best acting showcases and likely to grab multiple Oscar nominations.
Acting for the silver screen doesn't get more raw, moving or accomplished than what you see in "The Fighter," that rare film in which every performer in it leaves the viewer in awe.
