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What we do see is a camera pan across a bedroom dresser crowded with trinkets that suddenly becomes bare. Milk is watered down to feed a family, a single birthday cake is used to celebrate for multiple children, and cheap graves are used to economically bury more than one at a time. Suddenly, every story about the hardships suffered by your parents or grandparents come to life in an effective new way.

Paul Giamatti is fantastic in his role as Braddock's manager and friend

Perhaps the greatest strength of the movie is the way it consistently champions morality. Early on in the midst of the family's struggles, Braddock's eldest son steals a salami from the butcher. After his father makes him return it, he explains why he did it in one of the film's most emotionally resonant moments. It soon becomes clear that this isn't a movie about a man trying to recover honor or glory, or a boxer trying to defeat the bad guy (though Baehr is rightly portrayed as a self-serving "killer and clown," but he's not a murderer or evil). Instead, this is about a man fighting poverty (and its subsequent effects like illness and starvation) to save his family. He's lost the battle if he loses his wife and children.

Russell Crowe solidifies his place as one of today's greatest actors. Much like Robert DeNiro, he's a proven chameleon, gaining weight for roles in Master and Commander and (dramatically so) in The Insider. In this, he's not buff and muscular like in Gladiator, but he's in good shape and seemingly thinner than ever, dropping 50 pounds for the role. He's also similar to Harrison Ford in the way he subtly communicates so much with simple expressions. Watch for the joy and surprise on his face after his comeback win, or the way he shows love and devotion for his family while interacting with his children. And oh how heartbreaking is the shame on his face when he begs for money to support his family. Braddock comes off perhaps a little too saintly in this movie, always doing the right thing, but Crowe makes him believable every step of the way.

Some of the boxing scenes are quite intense

And maybe it's because she was so good in the adaptation of the musical Chicago, or perhaps it's just the haircut, but Zellweger feels authentic and of the era. She's got the mannerisms and the Jersey accent down as the concerned wife and mother, balancing fear with strength. Though loving and supportive of Braddock's actions, she's also vocal in expressing her emotions and concerns.

Then there's Giamatti, vastly underrated as reflected by his Oscar nomination snub for Sideways. An amazing character actor, he's pitch perfect in the role of Joe Gould. Here again is a classic character type that personifies the time period and setting with the smart mouth and mannerisms. He has great chemistry with Crowe in this film, and while it's still early in the year, a Supporting Actor nod seems very likely.

This serves as a fine alternative to the generally louder and more brainless summer movies competing with it—an excellent drama that relies on heart and action instead of schmaltz and melodrama. It's not quite a heavyweight champion worthy of Best Picture, but it is one of the year's first serious Oscar contenders because of its strong performances and skilled directing. Cinderella Man deserves a space on the shelf next to excellent dramatic sports films like The Natural, Hoosiers, and Seabiscuit.

Talk About It

1. Can poverty be a blessing in disguise? How so? Where does it focus our priorities?
   
   
2. How does the film portray prayer through the hard times? What does it say about showing thankfulness, hope, and honor when things are tough? Is it understandable to feel "all prayed out" like Braddock says in the film?
   
   
3. Was Braddock justified in trying to keep his children with him at all costs? Are there situations in life where it makes sense to split up a family, either temporarily or permanently?
   
   
4. What does this film say about pride? Braddock seems to be fighting to keep it in some parts and willing to sacrifice it in others. Are there different kinds of pride? Which is worth keeping and which should we throw away?
   
   

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