I have been wanting to see this film for a while, but Gary had already seen it, and I just hadn't gotten around to renting it on a "me night." I was unnecessarily worried that the anticipation would make the film a little disappointing, but man, was I wrong. Scott Silver and company's screenplay was original and captured perfectly what the director described as "a love story between two brothers."
The originality stemmed from the fact that this script was based on a true story about Micky and Dicky, two brothers from Lowell, Massachusetts that were both boxers. I always say the only stories left to tell are those based in true life experiences because all the epic storylines have already been done (not that they can't be done in new settings, with new characters, but you get my premise).
This screenplay does so many things, and does them all well--showcases superb acting, most notably by Christian Bale in his most brilliant role to date as Dicky, the older brother trying to relive his glory days by disappearing from reality through heavy crack use and drinking. Bale is devastatingly real, damaged, and selfish, yet at the end redeems himself by being his little brother's biggest supporter.
The film also dissects family dynmaics and the powerful destruction and blindness of motherly guilt. It also analyzes small-town living and how getting away from your hometown roots, even if it's just a few miles, is absoletely necessary to become a better version of yourself. Little brother Micky finally puts himself before his family, leading to him winning the Welterweight Championship at 31 years old.
The classic storyline of overcoming adversity and beating the odds comes into play as well, since Dickey is able to kick his crack addiciton with the help of jailtime and finally putting his brother and his brother's dreams before his own. His mother, always catering to Dicky and ignoring his drug problems, also finally lets the dream of Dicky making a comeback die and puts faith into her younger son.
If you aren't into sports movies, especially boxing movies, don't let that turn you off of experiencing this wonderful examination of the pain and pleasure that humans put each other and themselves through. The boxing is more of a metaphor for Micky's will and determination to succeed and Dicky's struggle to stay sober. Yes, there are fight scenes, but they are short, well done, and are about showing triumph for each of the characters connected to the story.
