Dealing with the Punches of Life

     This movie was amazing. I had only seen a little bit of it before, so I didn't know the movie that well. I was surprised that the movie was so moving. I was expecting a film about a boxer who just had a tough time during the depression, I guess I just didn't realize how tough it was. What made the film even better was that the film, Cinderella Man, was based on a true story.  It so much more interesting knowing that someone actually went through these times and experienced these events. 

     Jim Braddock was an amazing boxer and human being. He fought not for the fame, enjoyment, or because he was excellent at it. Braddock fought for his family and his pride. He fought to put food on the table, give birthday presents to his children, and buy flowers for his wife. He never gave up, even if it came to begging for money. Eventually he paid back all the money that he owed, even though he never had to pay it back. He didn't want to take charity, but instead work for what was needed. Russell Crowe's portrayal of Braddock was simply astonishing. He depicted Braddock in just the right way and showed the emotional side of what Braddock went through during that time. 

     After I watched the film I felt the need to learn more about Braddock and Max Baer. I read an article that interviewed one of Baer's sons saying that, Baer was one of the most gentle human beings he's ever known and that as a father, Baer was always caring and loving. The son also goes onto say that the in-ring death haunted him throughout the rest of his father's life and that he never really got over it. I understand why the filmmakers changed the character of Max Baer. They needed a villain like any good hero story would have. They needed to dramatize the film and make it so we hate anyone against Jim Braddock. I don't necessarily agree with what the filmmakers did, but I understand why they did it. I don't think that its unethical. I might be immoral and harsh, but that's what Hollywood does. They make films more dramatic, even if its not the truth. If other movies can do it, why can't the filmmakers of Cinderella Man, do it.