The story of James J. Braddock, a supposedly washed-up boxer who came back to challenge for the heavyweight championship of the world.The story of James J. Braddock, a supposedly washed-up boxer who came back to challenge for the heavyweight championship of the world.The story of James J. Braddock, a supposedly washed-up boxer who came back to challenge for the heavyweight championship of the world.
- Nominated for 3 Oscars
- 16 wins & 45 nominations total
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaRosemarie DeWitt (Sara Wilson) is the granddaughter of the real James J. Braddock. She is the daughter of his daughter Rosemarie, who was portrayed by Ariel Waller in this movie.
- GoofsThe receipt that Jimmy Braddock gives at the welfare office is about $50 off from the actual amount that Braddock had borrowed. Russell Crowe pointed this out to the director who decided to 'leave it in to prove that it's just a movie'.
- Quotes
Jim Braddock: I have to believe that when things are bad I can change them.
- Crazy creditsBefore 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)
- ConnectionsFeatured in HBO First Look: Cinderella Man (2005)
- SoundtracksShim-Me-Sha-Wabble
Written by Spencer Williams
Performed by Miff Mole and His Molers
Courtesy of Columbia Records
By arrangement with Sony BMG Music Licensing
Featured review
Old story well told!
Geez, another boxing movie! Yeah, Yeah, I know the story. Down and out guy gets a break and makes the most of it. He's fighting for his family, he's fighting for all those other hopeless people. Been there, done that.
Oh, I forgot to mention one thing. This movie is about the best 140 minute I've spent in a movie theater since . . . . since . . . ., Oh, well, you get the picture. Better yet, instead of getting the picture, go see it.
Russell Crowe owns the character of James Braddock, the unlikely hero who makes the most of his second chance. He's a good fighter turned hack. Injury, bad luck and this thing called the Depression sends him down the drain.
His wife, Mae, played by Renee Zelleweger, wants to be his biggest fan, but the kids need a dad, the rent has to get paid and the money from boxing dried up along time ago. Her husband's courage is undoubted, but his nerve is killing her.
And then there's Joe Gould, played by Paul Giamatti.
A boxer by the name of George Cochan once told me his manager was the bravest man he ever knew, he was willing to pit his man (Cochan) against anyone. As a result, Cochan had his head handed to him multiple times by the likes of Jake LaMotta and other class middle weights of the Forties and Fifties. Gould, is that brave manager, if not literally, in spirit. He pits Braddock, out of shape and with one day notice, against the number two heavy weight contender. Regardless of the risk, it's a pay day needed by both Gould and Braddock.
The story, while familiar, is executed brilliantly. The camera work is both subtle and, in turn, spectacular. Craig Bierko, Paddy Considine, Bruce McGill and the rest of the cast give flawless performances.
Yes, been there, done that! And I'm ready to do it again for anyone who wants to go with me.
Oh, I forgot to mention one thing. This movie is about the best 140 minute I've spent in a movie theater since . . . . since . . . ., Oh, well, you get the picture. Better yet, instead of getting the picture, go see it.
Russell Crowe owns the character of James Braddock, the unlikely hero who makes the most of his second chance. He's a good fighter turned hack. Injury, bad luck and this thing called the Depression sends him down the drain.
His wife, Mae, played by Renee Zelleweger, wants to be his biggest fan, but the kids need a dad, the rent has to get paid and the money from boxing dried up along time ago. Her husband's courage is undoubted, but his nerve is killing her.
And then there's Joe Gould, played by Paul Giamatti.
A boxer by the name of George Cochan once told me his manager was the bravest man he ever knew, he was willing to pit his man (Cochan) against anyone. As a result, Cochan had his head handed to him multiple times by the likes of Jake LaMotta and other class middle weights of the Forties and Fifties. Gould, is that brave manager, if not literally, in spirit. He pits Braddock, out of shape and with one day notice, against the number two heavy weight contender. Regardless of the risk, it's a pay day needed by both Gould and Braddock.
The story, while familiar, is executed brilliantly. The camera work is both subtle and, in turn, spectacular. Craig Bierko, Paddy Considine, Bruce McGill and the rest of the cast give flawless performances.
Yes, been there, done that! And I'm ready to do it again for anyone who wants to go with me.
helpful•26067
- cquinn-1
- May 25, 2005
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Also known as
- Hocus Pocus Man
- Filming locations
- Distillery District, Toronto, Ontario, Canada(exterior scenes)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $88,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $61,649,911
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $18,320,205
- Jun 5, 2005
- Gross worldwide
- $108,539,911
- Runtime2 hours 24 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.39 : 1
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