Cinderella Man (2005)

The story of James J. 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, Craig Bierko

Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 16 wins & 42 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 (Russell Crowe), 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, James J. 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, fuelled by something beyond mere competition, kept winning. Suddenly, the ordinary working man became the mythic athlete. Carrying the hopes and dreams of the ...

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Plot Keywords:

boxing | based on real events | friendship between men | gender in title | max baer | 

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Taglines:

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

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | History | Romance | Sport

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for intense boxing violence and some language

Did You Know?

Trivia

In real life, after Max Baer knocked out Frankie Campbell in the ring, he stayed by Campbell's side for thirty minutes, waiting for the ambulance to arrive, and spent time with him and his family at the hospital, telling Frankie's wife how sorry he was. The next day he was pronounced dead. When Baer heard, he broke down in tears.

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Goofs

During the press conference before the Max Baer fight, one reporter identifies himself as being from the New York Herald. That paper merged with the New York Tribune in 1924, becoming the Herald Tribune.

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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

Put That Sun Back in the Sky
(1932)
Written by Irving Kahal and Joseph Meyer
Performed by 'Roane's Pennsylvanians'
Courtesy of Bluebird / Novus / RCA Victor
By Arrangement with Sony BMG Music Licensing

User Reviews

Best boxing movie made.

Truly inspiring story of James J. Braddock. This story is about more than boxing. It is about a man and his wife trying to raise a family in the tough times of the 1920s. And the integrity and example he shows his children in those times. Russell Crowe, Renee Zellweger and Paul Giamatti are just part of this incredible cast. It is a must see.

Details

Official Sites:

Universal [United States]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 June 2005 (USA)

Also Known As:

Cinderella Man

Filming Locations:

Downsview Park Studios, 40 Carl Hall Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

$88,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$18,320,205, 5 June 2005

Gross USA:

$61,649,911

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$108,539,911

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures, Miramax, Imagine Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

144 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1