DVD Review: The Fighter

Rating: 7.8/10 - Very Good

An inspiring story and a great adaptation. This film does not bore those who would imagine it a typical sporty-boxing-film type, if there is such a thing. However it might be that the overwhelming and sometimes frustratingly irritating 'Jerry Springer type' community might become a bit too much. It is the context of the story and one cannot pervade it, yet if you really detest and not even find it remotely amusing, then I would advise you to watch the trailer and at least reconsider a new look to perceive the film in terms of the allegory presented in this grippingly real and intensely hopeful story.

Director: David O. Russell. Screenplay: Scott Silver and Paul Tamasy. Producers: Dorothy Aufiero, David Hoberman, Ryan Kavanaugh, Todd Liieberman, Paul Tamasy and Mark Wahlberg. Cinematographer: Hoyte Van Hoytema. Editor: Pamela Martin. Score: Michael Brook. Studio: Paramount and Relativity Media. Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo, Michael O'Keefe and Jack McGee. Age Restriction: 16 LVD. Running Time: 115 minutes.

The film follows the Irish Boxer Micky Ward's tale of determination between the melodrama of his intensely close-knit family. First things first, a great story - true stories always makes the cut to the heart, much more than just any kind of fiction can. This film can be called a must see just for the nitty gritty self confidence boost it provides.

Considering the film techniques, The Fighter’s cinematography set design and casting could presumably not have been more appropriate. The 90’s style ESPN reporting against the ‘low-life’, budget and almost hand-held style as it is juxtaposed throughout the film, provides for the fitting atmospheres to further the movement of the story throughout the film. Not only does this do justice to the story, but it casts the perfect background for the actors’ roles. Considering Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale are rather versatile actors, these roles were far from ill fitting. The depiction of the real Mickey and Dickey Ward is skillfully done. The engagement with the real Ward brothers and their story obviously influenced the production of the film and this can almost be felt throughout the moments one has to pinch oneself to remember that this is not real but set up footage.

In watching The Fighter, there is no serious mishaps that can be pointed out. It is an inspiring story and the reenactment and almost documentary effect has done good to the true story of the Ward boxing brother champion teem from America. There is no excessive and ‘unnecessary violence in the film, which accounts for the films easy watching credit. Its not short and might strain one a bit for time, but what must have been said about the Ward brothers got out and couldn’t have been much more efficiently told.

The Fighter is available now on DVD and Blu-ray.