Cinderella Man (2005)

The story of James Braddock, a supposedly washed up boxer who came back to become a champion and an inspiration in the 1930s.

Director:

Ron Howard

Writers:

Cliff Hollingsworth (screenplay), Akiva Goldsman (screenplay),

Stars:

Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, Paul Giamatti

Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 14 wins & 25 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Russell Crowe	...	Jim Braddock
Renée Zellweger	...	Mae Braddock
Paul Giamatti	...	Joe Gould
Craig Bierko	...	Max Baer
Paddy Considine	...	Mike Wilson
Bruce McGill	...	Jimmy Johnston
David Huband	...	Ford Bond
Connor Price	...	Jay Braddock
Ariel Waller	...	Rosemarie Braddock
Patrick Louis	...	Howard Braddock
Rosemarie DeWitt	...	Sara
Linda Kash	...	Lucille Gould
Nicholas Campbell	...	Sporty Lewis
Gene Pyrz	...	Jake
Chuck Shamata	...	Father Rorick

Storyline

During the Great Depression, a common-man hero, James J. Braddock--a.k.a. the Cinderella Man--was to become one of the most surprising sports legends in history. By the early 1930s, the impoverished ex-prizefighter was seemingly as broken-down, beaten-up and out-of-luck as much of the rest of the American populace who had hit rock bottom. His career appeared to be finished, he was unable to pay the bills, the only thing that mattered to him--his family--was in danger, and he was even forced to go on Public Relief. But deep inside, Jim Braddock never relinquished his determination. Driven by love, honor and an incredible dose of grit, he willed an impossible dream to come true. In a last-chance bid to help his family, Braddock returned to the ring. No one thought he had a shot. However Braddock, fueled by something beyond mere competition, kept winning. Suddenly, the ordinary working man became the mythic athlete. Carrying the hopes and dreams of the disenfranchised on his shoulders, ...

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Plot Keywords:

boxing | boxer | 1930s | love | dream | 

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Taglines:

When America was on its knees, he brought us to our feet.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Romance | Sport

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for intense boxing violence and some language

Details

Official Sites:

Universal [us]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 June 2005 (USA)

Also Known As:

El luchador

Filming Locations:

Distillery District, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

$88,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$467,798 (Australia) (14 October 2005)

Gross:

$61,644,321 (USA) (25 November 2005)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures, Miramax Films, Imagine Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

144 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Braddock's African-American corner man in the film as well as in real life was Joe Jeanette (played by Ron Canada). Jeanette himself was a top flight heavyweight contender during the 1900s to the 1910s, but never received a title shot, due to the racial climate of the time. He owned the New Jersey gym in which Braddock often trained.

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Goofs

When Jimmy Braddock wins his first comeback fight, two scenes are in the wrong order. Braddock turns and looks at Gould before Gould calls out his name as he is climbing into the ring.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Joe Gould: Attaboy! Keep him busy!

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Crazy Credits

Before the Title appears the following: "In all the history of the boxing game, you'll find no human interest story to compare with the life narrative of James J. Braddock." - Damon Runyon (1936)

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Connections

Referenced in Who Wants to Be a Millionaire: Episode #7.83 (2009)

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Soundtracks

"Tillies Downtown Now"
Written by Bud Freeman (as Lawrence {Bud} Freeman)
Performed by Bud Freeman and His Windy City Five
Courtesy of EMI Records
Under License from EMI Film & Television Music

User Reviews

Wonderful!!!

This is the best film Ron Howard has ever done. They really caught lightning in a bottle with this one. All the departments brought their A game to the table. I especially loved the editing and cinematography.

The cast is perfect and, under Ron Howard's confident hand, all give amazing performances. Russel Crowe's soulful performance puts him back in Maximus territory here and, boy, was this cat born to play these types of roles. Bruce McGill is in it (San Antonio, represent!!!) and that's always a good thing.

My only complaint (if it can be called that) is that the boxing sequences break no new ground. They are very reminiscent of the boxing sequences in Raging Bull. They are so well executed, however, that I quickly forgot about this small nitpick.

The script works on so many levels, it's not even funny. There is plenty of time devoted to character development and it pays off handsomely in the long run as we really care about Jim Braddock every time he steps in the ring.

All in all, Cinderella Man is a rousing, classy film that utterly satisfies.