Cinderella Man (2005)

Cinderella Man tells the true story of James J. Braddock (Russell Crowe), a once-promising boxer reduced to poverty during the Great Depression who stages a seemingly impossible comeback to become a symbol of hope for a desperate nation. Facing broken hands, meager pay, and the humiliations of public relief, Braddock fights not for glory but to keep his wife Mae (Renée Zellweger) and their three children fed and warm. With the help of his loyal manager Joe Gould (Paul Giamatti), he wins a string of improbable matches and ultimately faces the feared world heavyweight champion Max Baer (Craig Bierko) in a tense, emotional showdown. Watching the film you’ll feel the grit and desperation of 1930s America: stark, lived-in period detail, tense and visceral boxing sequences, and quiet domestic moments that build real stakes. The performances are grounded and affecting—Crowe’s stoic determination, Zellweger’s resilient tenderness, and Giamatti’s steady support give the story emotional weight—while the fights deliver physical intensity and suspense. Overall, Cinderella Man is both a rough-edged sports drama and a moving family portrait: uplifting, heart-wrenching, and inspiring, it leaves the viewer with a strong sense of perseverance, dignity, and the power of ordinary heroism.

Actors: Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, Craig Bierko

Director: Ron Howard

Runtime: 144 min

Genres: Biography, Drama, History

7.3 /10 69 /100 8.0 /10 7.4 /10