Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Jake Gyllenhaal | ... | Billy Hope | |
Rachel McAdams | ... | Maureen Hope | |
Forest Whitaker | ... | Tick Wills | |
Oona Laurence | ... | Leila Hope | |
50 Cent | ... | Jordan Mains (as Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson) | |
Skylan Brooks | ... | Hoppy | |
Naomie Harris | ... | Angela Rivera | |
Victor Ortiz | ... | Ramone | |
Beau Knapp | ... | Jon Jon | |
Miguel Gomez | ... | Miguel 'Magic' Escobar | |
Dominic Colón | ... | Mikey | |
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Jose Caraballo | ... | Eli Frost |
Malcolm M. Mays | ... | Gabe | |
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Aaron Quattrocchi | ... | Keith 'Buzzsaw' Brady |
Lana Young | ... | Gloria |
Billy Hope (played by Jake Gyllenhaal) is the undisputed light-heavyweight boxing champion of the world. He is unbeaten over a career of 43 fights. He is happily married to beautiful Maureen (Rachel McAdams) and has a young daughter, Leila (Oona Laurence). His life seems perfect, but then, during a fracas with a rival boxer, his wife is shot and killed. They had known each other since they were 12 years old, and now the bottom has fallen out of his world. The death of his wife sends Billy into a downward spiral, resulting in him being barred from professional boxing for a year, the loss of his house and almost all his possessions and, most painfully, the loss of his daughter to the custody of Social Services. In order to gain back his daughter and restart his life, he seeks out a particular trainer, Tick Wills (Forest Whitaker). Now he is starting his life again, at the bottom. Written by grantss
I was lucky enough to catch an advance screening of this movie, and I was extremely glad I did. After watching the previews I felt as though a lot of the movie was given away, but I was blown away by the performances on screen. The movie was centered around a champion prize fighter hitting rock bottom, and slowly climbing his way back into the ring. It was an emotional journey that cannot simply be categorized as a movie about boxing, but rather, an inspiring and riveting tale of parenthood and a father's love for his daughter. The cast was excellent and everyone excelled in their roles. I wouldn't have expected to like Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson in a role as much as I did. Jake Gyllenhaal and Forest Whitaker had Oscar worthy performances. Everyone did a great job with their roles. The cinematography was fantastic, and the fight scenes gave some great first person shots that made you feel as though you were there in the ring fighting along side the actors. Overall, this movie is an experience that is not to be missed. 9/10