Cinderella Man

( 15 )

Overview

The true story of an athlete who achieved his greatest success against the most daunting odds of his life is brought to the screen in this historical drama. In the 1920s, James Braddock Russell Crowe from Bergen, NJ, was a promising contender in professional boxing; he had strength, spirit, and tenacity, but the combination of a serious hand injury and a 1929 defeat in a bout with light heavyweight champ Tommy Loughran sent his career into a serious tailspin. As Braddock's career in the ring dried up, the Great ...
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Overview

The true story of an athlete who achieved his greatest success against the most daunting odds of his life is brought to the screen in this historical drama. In the 1920s, James Braddock Russell Crowe from Bergen, NJ, was a promising contender in professional boxing; he had strength, spirit, and tenacity, but the combination of a serious hand injury and a 1929 defeat in a bout with light heavyweight champ Tommy Loughran sent his career into a serious tailspin. As Braddock's career in the ring dried up, the Great Depression put a stake through the heart of America's economy, and Braddock found himself working at the New York docks for pitiful wages as he tried to support his wife, Mae Renée Zellweger, and three children. Desperate for money, Braddock turned to his former trainer and manager Joe Gould Paul Giamatti, who was unexpectedly able to scare up a bout for him, battling John Griffin at Madison Square Garden. While conventional wisdom had it that Braddock was too old, out of shape, and out of practice to have any chance of winning, he defeated Griffin, and continued beating his opponents with a powerful left hook that had been intensified by years of punishing dock work. In a nation desperate for good news, Braddock's surprising comeback became a tonic to struggling workers and unemployed people, and all eyes were on Braddock when in 1935 he took on powerful heavyweight champion Max Baer Craig Bierko in what was both literally and figuratively the fight of his life.
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Special Features

Deleted scenes with commentary by director Ron Howard; Ringside Seats; The Man, The Movie, The Legend: A Filmmaking Journey; Jim Braddock: The Friends & Family Behind the Legend; The Fight Card: Casting Cinderella Man; For the Record: A History in Boxing; Cinderella Man gallery presented by Kodak
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Editorial Reviews

Barnes & Noble - Ed Hulse
Despite exemplary reviews and more-than-ample media coverage, this Depression-era drama failed to achieve the box-office success predicted for it -- an inexplicable circumstance, because Cinderella Man stands head and shoulders above most of 2005's films. It’s the inspiring story of New Jersey-born boxer James J. Braddock Russell Crowe in yet another Oscar-worthy performance, a once promising heavyweight reduced to working as a dockhand after a broken hand takes him out of contention for the title. Down but never out, Braddock and his loyal wife, Mae Renée Zellweger, manage to keep their family intact. With help from his manager Paul Giamatti, Braddock eventually gets back in the ring -- and starts winning. His unlikely ascent captures the attention of the newspapers and the fans, and it soon becomes apparent that this family man is headed for a title match with reigning champ Max Baer Craig Bierko, a formidable fighter whose punching power has already caused the death of one opponent. Braddock’s rags-to-riches story teems with the kind of incidents that would appear to be the invention of studio screenwriters, but in this case they actually happened. When Braddock began winning again, for example, he did repay government welfare funds he had earlier accepted. However, there’s at least one unfortunate deviation from reality: director Ron Howard and writer Cliff Hollingsworth's portrayal of Baer as a bloodthirsty brute. Baer’s heirs justifiably protested the demonization; but it works to the film’s advantage, enhancing the suspense surrounding the Big Fight, which is one of the most technically convincing and emotionally satisfying bouts ever committed to celluloid. Boasting exemplary work from all involved, Cinderella Man is Hollywood entertainment in the best possible sense of the term.
All Movie Guide - Perry Seibert
Cinderella Man probably isn't Ron Howard's best film, but it might be his most quintessential one. A man whose talents have always rested on getting audiences to like and root for characters, Howard uses every weapon -- acting, casting, lighting, editing, art direction, music -- at a filmmaker's disposal to win viewers over. He won more than half the battle to make Braddock likable as soon as he cast Russell Crowe. Braddock offers the kind of role he does better than anybody -- a man with a maelstrom of emotions swelling under the surface who, when given the opportunity, is able to exorcise those feelings in physical activity. He allows Braddock to lose much of his dignity without making him pathetic. Howard's ability to get good performances, his judicious lack of a saccharine score, and the detailed but never showy period details add up to a very Howardesque quality that might be called melodramatic realism. There are almost always interesting supporting performances in Howard's films, and Cinderella Man is no exception. Paul Giamatti, an actor simply unable to do anything out of character no matter who the character is, serves up yet another award-caliber performance. Set in a world that would not seem to reward intelligence, Giamatti's character thrives on that very attribute. He knows how to manipulate those around him, but never does so in a harmful way. His scenes with ace character actor Bruce McGill are textbook examples of great no-frills acting. The film has moments where it overreaches for the melodrama, and the drive of the film stalls slightly during the extended third act, where the audience is left waiting for too long for the final fight to start, but Cinderella Man is at its heart old-fashioned, crowd-pleasing entertainment made and performed without cynicism.
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Product Details

  • Release Date: 12/30/2008
  • UPC: 025192012297
  • Original Release: 2005

    • Rating:

  • Source: Universal Studios
  • Region Code: 1
  • Aspect Ratio: Pre-1954 Standard (1.33.1)
  • Presentation: Pan & Scan
  • Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
  • Language: English, Français
  • Time: 2:25:00
  • Format: DVD

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits
Russell Crowe Jim Braddock
Renée Zellweger Mae Braddock
Paul Giamatti Joe Gould
Craig Bierko Max Baer
Paddy Considine Mike Wilson
Bruce McGill Jimmy Johnston
Ron Canada Joe Jeanette
David Huband Ford Bond
Connor Price Jay Braddock
Ariel Waller Rosemarie Braddock
Patrick Louis Howard Braddock
Rosemarie DeWitt Sara
Linda Kash Lucille Gould
Nicholas Campbell Sporty Lewis
Gene Pyrz Jake
Alicia Johnston
Troy Amos-Ross
Mark Simmons
Art Binkowski
David Litziinger
Rance Howard
Angelo Dundee
Technical Credits
Ron Howard Director, Producer
Lance Anderson Makeup
David Leroy Anderson Makeup Special Effects
Ann Brodie Makeup
William M. Connor Asst. Director
Mike DeLisa Consultant/advisor
Angelo Dundee Consultant/advisor
Akiva Goldsman Screenwriter
Brian Grazer Producer
Peter Grundy Art Director
Todd Hallowell Executive Producer
Dan Hanley Editor
Peter Heller Consultant/advisor
Mike Hill Editor
David Hirschfield Set Decoration/Design
Janet Hirshenson Casting
Cliff Hollingsworth Original Story, Screenwriter
Jane Jenkins Casting
Steve Lucescu Consultant/advisor
Michael Madden Set Decoration/Design
Penny Marshall Producer
Kathleen McGill Associate Producer
Russell Moore Set Decoration/Design
Jack Newfield Consultant/advisor
Thomas Newman Score Composer
Daniel Orlandi Costumes/Costume Designer
Nick Powell Choreography
Wynn P. Thomas Production Designer
John J. Thomson Sound/Sound Designer
Salvatore Totino Cinematographer
Louisa Velis Associate Producer
Suzanne Wasserman Consultant/advisor
Gordon White Set Decoration/Design
Dan Yarhi Art Director
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Scene Index

Disc #1, Side A -- Cinderella Man: Feature Film
1. The Next Champ [7:58]
2. Past Due [8:23]
3. Washed-Up [6:59]
4. Decommissioned [5:14]
5. Cut Off [10:14]
6. Emergency Relief [5:06]
7. One Last Chance [5:00]
8. Going in Hungry [9:42]
9. Sizing up the Champ [4:09]
10. Back to Even [7:47]
11. Getting Serious [1:23]
12. Don't Back Down [2:43]
13. Count Your Blessings [8:03]
14. Know What You're Fighting For [5:25]
15. Giving Hope [8:00]
16. Find a Way Out [4:25]
17. Tremendous Underdog [3:39]
18. The Main Event [10:10]
19. Championship Round [10:06]
20. End Titles [13:00]
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Menu

Disc #1, Side A -- Cinderella Man: Feature Film
   Play
   Scenes
   Bonus Features
      Feature Commentaries
         Feature Commentary With Director Ron Howard: On
         Feature Commentary With Director Ron Howard: Off
         Feature Commentary With Writer Akiva Goldsman: On
         Feature Commentary With Writer Akiva Goldsman: Off
         Feature Commentary With Writer Cliff Hollingsworth: On
         Feature Commentary With Writer Cliff Hollingsworth: Off
      DVS Descriptive Video Service
         Continue
      Please Flip This Disc Over for Additional Bonus Features
   Languages
      Spoken Language: English 5.1
      Spoken Language: Français 5.1
      DVS Descriptive Video Service
         Continue
      Feature Commentaries
         Feature Commentary With Director Ron Howard: On
         Feature Commentary With Director Ron Howard: Off
         Feature Commentary With Writer Akiva Goldsman: On
         Feature Commentary With Writer Akiva Goldsman: Off
         Feature Commentary With Writer Cliff Hollingsworth: On
         Feature Commentary With Writer Cliff Hollingsworth: Off
      Subtitles: English SDH
      Subtitles: Français
      Subtitles: Español
      Subtitles: Off
Disc #1, Side B -- Cinderella Man: Bonus Features
   Bonus Features
      Deleted Scenes With Commentary by Director Ron Howard
         Deleted Scenes With Commentary by Director Ron Howard: On
         Deleted Scenes With Commentary by Director Ron Howard: Off
      The Fight Card: Making Cinderella Man
      The Man, The Movie, The Legend: A Filmmaking Journey
      For the Record: A History in Boxing
      Ringside Seats
      Jim Braddock: The Friends & Family Behind the Legend
      Kodak Cinderella Man Gallery
      DVD-ROM
      Please Flip This Disc Over for Additional Bonus Features
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4.5
( 15 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(11)

4 Star

(3)

3 Star

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2 Star

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Sort by: Showing all of 15 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted January 15, 2013

    This movie is by far my favorite. The story is told so incredibl

    This movie is by far my favorite. The story is told so incredibly well, I don't understand how most people don't know about this movie. Russell Crowe is absolutely fantastic, and it is a truly heartwarming story.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Really good movie!

    This movie is really cool! Even though most people know the story goes, the movie still has you wondering what is going to happen next!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Ron Howard Hits The Jackpot Again!!

    Directed by the incomperable Ron Howard, with his favorite star, Russel Crowe in the lead and Renee Zellewegger playing a fantastic second string, this is one superb film!! This little known boxing story is touching, heartwarming, and a study in courage, grit, and the will to survive that does not come along often. Crowe, as usual, is superb and definately deserved a Golden Globe nomination--though, sadly, his bad boy image has robbed him of any further awards from the industry. Let's hope this is not the case for his co-star as she is superb and a study in misery, joy, and strength that equals her Oscar-winning part in "Cold Mountain." Great sports' movies can translate into wonderful studies of human nature--ie. "Raging Bull," "Brian's Song, " "8 Seconds, " "The Contender"--the list is too long to go on!! This film is at the top of the heap!! BRAVO MR. HOWARD!!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Top-notch film!

    Cinderella Man is one of this year's best films to be put onto the silver screen. An inspiring movie of the famed boxer, James Braddock, recreates oustandingly authentic boxing fights and a wonderful subplot of his personal fight to keep his family together during the Depression Era. Russell Crowe brilliantly handles his character and adds a touch to the film otherwise unable to be achieved. Actress Renee Zellweger plays Braddock's loving wife, creating the perfect match between the two actors. And Paul Giamatti exceptionally plays the boxer's trainer. Truly a triumph and worthy of an Academy Award! Bravo to director Ron Howard and the cast!!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Great Boxing Movie

    Throughout the years, there have been only two great boxing movies: "Raging Bull" and "Rocky". You can now add this one to the list. The story of James J. Braddock has been described as one of the most inspirational stories in all of sports history, and I'm not going to argue with that. Director Ron Howard and star Russell Crowe propell this movie past typical sports movie cliches to present us with an entirely unique look at a once great boxer who gets a second chance. Though some complained about the restrained vision of the Great Depression, this film is more interested in character study, and appropriately so. Every actor in this film gives their best work and the technical aspects are very well done. Whether or not this film has a chance at Oscar time remains to be seen, but it's definitely the first film released this year to prove itself worthy of even a consideration by the Academy. A terrific movie. I'll be sure to pick up the special edition.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    best boxing film ever!

    ron howards one of the best directors of our time. Him and Crowe work magic when their together. A Beautiful Mind was amazing and this is even better. The only film better than this that came out in 2005 is Crash but Crowe is a shoe-in for best actor and zellweger is probably going to be up for supporting actress, dont forget giamatti for sup. actor.

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    Posted November 4, 2008

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    Posted June 5, 2009

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    Posted January 31, 2010

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    Posted April 5, 2009

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    Posted February 10, 2010

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    Posted January 15, 2009

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    Posted October 26, 2008

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Sort by: Showing all of 15 Customer Reviews