December 11, 2010 (Sampurn Wire): Film: The Fighter

Director: David O. Russell

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams.

Rating: ***

David O. Russell tells the story of an Irish boxer Micky Ward, played by Mark Wahlberg. 'The Fighter' is based on the true story of a fighter with a huge family consisting of sisters, half brother Dickie Eklund (Christian Bale), who is also his mentor and mother Alice Eklund, played by Melissa Leo.

Wards older brother Eklund, who was once a promising boxer has turned a drug addict now. The dominating mother faces a sudden strong competition from Ward's strong-willed new girlfriend Charlene Fleming, played by Amy Adams. Charlene thinks that Ward deserves much better than what his family offers.

The character of Ward sometimes becomes sadly submissive but he wants to be a winner as a boxer and keeps on boasting of it to everyone. Sometimes, you might find it uncomfortable because of Wards bullying mom, his several sisters and the addict brother. However, the director has balanced it nicely by finally making Ward win the boxing title and supporting his brother to come out of his addiction.

It is worth watching because of some wonderful performances and inspiring storyline of a sports man.

--Sampurn Wire