The Fighter packs a serious punch

I have finally got round to writing another blog having been kept busy with uni these past few months. Apologies to those who have enjoyed the last few, I hope to be blogging more frequently throughout the summer. I have decided to return with a review of 'The Fighter', which I was tempted to see in the cinema when it was released in 2010 but decided to wait for a chance to watch it when it came out on DVD or TV. Bare with me as I take myself back to a month or two a go when I finally got a chance to watch it.

The film is based on the real lives of two boxing half-brothers, one of whom is retired (Christian Bale), the other younger brother hoping to breakthrough into the boxing elite (Mark Wahlberg). Dicky Eklund was known for beating boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard and is the hero of his hometown - however, now a drug addict, Dicky tries to re-live his glory days through his brother's career, training him to fight. Micky Ward is a failing boxer who has become known as a stepping stone for up-and-coming boxers to make the step up to the next level.

It's a brilliant story about an underdog who has to fight his family and all he knows in order to gain success. What makes the film is Christian Bale's unbelievable performance as Dicky Eklund. His dedication to the role is clear through his rough appearance, and it is obvious he has studied the real life personality of Dicky meticulously from the piece of archive footage shown at the end of the film. It is truly one of the best representations of a real life character you are ever likely to see.

The rest of the cast are also very good and unlike many sports films the sporting action comes across as realistic and not over dramatic. If you are female and hoping to watch this purely because you find Bale attractive you will be let down, but us men get to see a glimpse of the rather sexy red-headed Amy Adams in her underwear during the film.

Superficial reasons for watching 'The Fighter' aside, I fully recommend watching this hard hitting drama that tackles so much more than boxing. Without a doubt the best film I have seen so far this year.