BULLDOG OF BERGEN

When it comes to boxing, I have my own favorite movie. Cinderella Man is not just about boxing; it’s also lessons about life. I don’t know why they call this movie Cinderella Man, but same like Cinderella story, this movie surely inspires a lot of people. Directed by Ron Howard and based on the extraordinary true story, the movie tells us about a man who fight for the sake of his family. I am more than happy to be able to share its story with all of you.

The country was in financial crisis and things didn’t go well for most people. It was a time of struggle and desperation in New Jersey – in 1933 – 4 years into the Great Depression. Poverty and unemployment were so high; many businesses went bankrupt, and even the Wall Street crumbled.

It was a tough time for everyone, including for a man named James J. Braddock (Russell Crowe) who lived with his wife May (Renee Zellweger), two sons, and a daughter. They nearly lost everything and Braddock had to rely on his only talent to survive – Boxing. Things began to get worse when Braddock had few injuries – a broken hand; his boxing license was taken out, and couldn’t afford to pay the bills for their house.

Braddock and his family almost lost hope. They counted every last dime in order to survive. Braddock’s work at the harbor was not enough to fill their hungry stomachs. This tragedy touched the heart of Joe Gould (Paul Giamatti). Joe was Braddock’s manager and trainer. They’re best friends. It was Joe who somehow managed to bring Braddock back into the ring. Not only that, Braddock got a chance of a lifetime to win the heavyweight title.

It’s not easy for Braddock to convince May as they faced a dilemma. The risks were too high for winning the heavyweight title as Braddock had to face the most dangerous opponents in the process. Losing the fight could mean death as there’re already two boxers who got killed in the ring – detached brains the doctor said.

When there’s no money to pay the bills, no heater to warm their cold bodies, and no food to fill their empty stomachs, the only thing they could rely on was the fact that they still had each other. Braddock was no super boxer who could easily win every fight. He took punches by punches, injuries by injuries, as he remembered his family waiting at home for good news. As he faced nasty and dangerous opponents, the hearts that awaited him at home was the only thing that kept him standing in the ring.

James J. Braddock may be called a Cinderella Man, but he surely ain’t no Cinderella when he fights on the ring. It’s a movie full of joy but also tears – full of glory but also sweat and blood. Be sure you learn from it.

Ivan the Freelancer