Cinderella Man

Mom saw Cinderella Man and swore it was an amazing movie. 

We didn't believe her because, come on, the movie is about boxing. 

But we watched it anyway. And, you know what? She was right. 

I swear, someday I will learn not to question Mom's movie/food taste :)

Based on a true story, Cinderella Man is the amazing story of James Braddock, a professional prize fighter, or boxer as we would say today. He's got everything you could want - a successful career, a devoted wife and children he adores.

But then an injury causes his career to come to an abrupt end. At the same time The Depression sweeps across America causing work to be nearly impossible to find. Braddock ends up doing any sort of manual labor he can find when he can find it but even then can not pay the bills. In fact, our man even has to sacrifice his pride so much as to accept public aid. Now what he holds most near and dear - his family - is in danger.

Still holding onto the determination and with a strong dose of love and courage as someone said, "he willed and impossible dream to come true". Braddock gets a chance to return to fighting and his loves for his family is so great that he returns to the ring.

Soon after his return, James Braddock, your ordinary working man, becomes a legendary fighter and a hope for a country facing dark days. 

There are so many  things you could love this movie for. First, Russell Crowe and Renee Zellweger do such a fantastic job. I have yet to see anything by either of them that I didn't like but this has to be one of my favorite movies for them both.

Second the way the makers set the 1930's scene is breathtaking. The lights, the building, the clothes, the cars and even the way they made everything look like photos you would see from that era by keeping their color palette to browns and deep colors is so well down my hat tip to them

But the thing that will make you fall in love with this movie is, from start to finish, you see the struggle of the American people during the 1930's so beautifully portrayed. You see a father willing to do anything for his family, a wife supporting her husband and family and working to make the best of where they are. It's a beautiful inspirational movie that will make you want to stand up and applaud the beautiful American spirit our heroes. 

Once again, I give this movie ********* out of ***** stars. I'm pretty sure that some day I'll figure out that you can't have ********** out of ***** stars because that just doesn't work, but for now, don't disillusion me.

So. Your thoughts?