Undefeated (2003)

A boxer must navigate a path between his newfound fame and his former life.

Director:

John Leguizamo

Writers:

John Leguizamo (story), Frank Pugliese (story)

Stars:

John Leguizamo, Clifton Collins Jr., Adrian Martinez

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Leguizamo	...	Lex Vargas
Clifton Collins Jr.	...	Loco
Adrian Martinez	...	Chewey
Juan Carlos Hernández	...	Franky (as Juan Carlos Hernandez)
Nestor Serrano	...	Victor
Coati Mundi	...	Old man
David Zayas	...	Paulie
Guillermo Díaz	...	Mommy (as Guillermo Diaz)
Omar Benson Miller	...	Mack
Arthur Mercante	...	Referee / Amazura
Mark Schulte	...	Boxing Announcer
Arnie Rosenthal	...	Boxing Announcer (as Arnie 'Tokyo' Rosenthal)
Randy Gordon	...	Boxing Announcer
Psycho Les	...	The Beatnuts
Juju Gigante	...	The Beatnuts

Storyline

Lex 'El Animal' Vargas is a promising Portorican boxer in Queens, but lacks ambition to aim for the big career. That changes after his brother Paulie is accidentally shot dead by a teenager in an amateur hold-up on their late dad's shop, which he now closes to turn professional boxer. His star rises fast, but success brings its own problems, as he he lacks experience to handle professionals and resist the abuse they and his ghetto past entourage make of his generous nature. (...)

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Plot Keywords:

female nudity | love | bare chested male | bed | remake | 

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Taglines:

A winner always knows where he 's going. A champion never forgets where he's from.

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Genres:

Drama | Sport

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 July 2003 (USA)

Also Known As:

Infamous

Filming Locations:

Jackson Heights, Queens, New York City, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Forensic Films, Hart Sharp Entertainment, Lower East Side Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

All of the boxing scenes were shot in one day because the budget was too low to rent out Madison Square Garden for more than one day.

User Reviews

Groundbreaking - No, Enjoyable - Yes...

I am a tremendous John Leguizamo fan and avidly support him and his films. I must preface my assessment with that so you can see my biases. I was afforded the outstanding opportunity of watching an advanced screening of this film last night to which Kathy DeMarco (Exec. Prod.) attended. She informed us that this was the culmination of 5 years of work. This was a particularly exciting experience for me because it was Leguizamo's directorial debut. From the opening moment the film was interesting and enjoyable. It represented a fairly accurate presentation of the street and a particular lifestyle. Knowing how much time when into the preparation for this film I was slightly discouraged because I really felt he was rehashing some old material here. He plays a young street guy trying to make his way up the ladder, he makes, forgets his friends, and then realizes he needs them again. Sounds a lot like "Empire" to me! I had to ask where the risks or challenges were in this role for him. As far as the directing I was really impressed and look forward to seeing more. The music was phenomenal and the boxing scenes were very realistic. There were no cheesy, obviously fake punches or choreography. This was a terrific movie and had he not just done "Empire" I think I would feel even more strongly about it. Finally, the ending stirred up some strong responses from the crowd - so be prepared...A good movie with great directing, great performances, great music, and an ok script. You decide for yourself...