Flashback Friday: The Fighter (Russell, 2013)

Boxing has always been the sport of cinema. Sure, football and basketball teams coming together in the midst of adversity represents important themes, but the individual underdog's triumph just seems so much more fitted for the silver screen. Each generation has their own boxer: Charlie Chaplin from City Lights in the 1930's, Rocky throughout the 1970's, and Raging Bull's Jake LaMotta during the 1980's. Currently, Mickey "The Irish" Ward is the Welterweight Champion of the movie ring. His family's story captured the hearts of millions, and the film adaptation fought it's way to Oscar gold. With director David O. Russell re-teaming with stars Christian Bale and Amy Adams, along with the main cast of Silver Linings Playbook, in this year's American Hustle, Movie Critic's Club is taking a look at one of the director's finest achievements. Today on Flashback Friday, we're going toe-to-toe with The Fighter.

Mickey Ward is the youngest son among the nine children of Alice Ward, the matriarch and dominating presence of the family. His only brother, Dicky Ecklund, was once a promising boxer who beat "Sugar" Ray Leonard, but ruined his opportunity by becoming dangerously addicted to drugs. Dicky is known as "The Pride of Lowell", referring to his hometown which prizes fighters and the Ward/Ecklund clan.

Micky was always proud of his brother, but never knew if he actually wanted to be a boxer himself. He had the talent and brute strength, but was constantly overcast by his brother's fame and infamous behavior. After losing fight after fight, Micky was about to give up, until his girlfriend Charlene encouraged him to follow his dream. The brothers had to learn to overcome their differences and give Micky the shot at the top like they always imagined for their family.

Mark Wahlberg had sought the rights to the project for years, originally planning to produce the film with fellow Boston native Matt Damon before he learned that the Wards were already approached by Paramount. Not wanting to step on any toes, Wahlberg backed down, but Paramount later asked for him to play the lead character and produce the picture. He excitedly agreed, but with script problems and production issues plaguing the movie, the film was put on a hiatus.

It took almost four years for a director to finally be found- David O. Russell, who Wahlberg personally recommended after working with him on Three Kings. The actor convinced the producers that Russell could perfectly emulate the emotional intensity of the family drama, the power of the fight sequences, and the love between Micky/Dicky and Micky/Charlene.

Despite a nearly four year wait, Wahlberg trained relentlessly throughout that time, and while working on other projects. Every morning, he would practice boxing and exercises with his personal coach, so that when The Fighter would start filming, he would be more than ready. Christian Bale was chosen to play Dicky because of his startling ability to physically and mentally transform himself into a character. After running into Wahlberg at a party, the two became friends almost as close as the real-life Micky and Dicky.

For the role of Charlene, Amy Adams lobbied for the part, despite Russell's reservations about her nice-girl charm that "couldn't throw a punch". When she won the part, she took boxing lessons to make her sassy nature more physical. Melissa Leo dived into Alice Ward, acting as the flamboyant mother both on and off the set. Other supporting actors included cop/trainer Mickey O'Keefe, who played himself, and Jack McGee as Micky's father George.

The fight sequences were shot in three days- an extremely short time in comparison to most other films. Russell and Wahlberg wanted HBO sports crews to come in and film the realistic recreations, with the actors (Wahlberg included) staging improv fights. Their feat was successful, and as a result the scenes in the ring were highly innovative and fun to watch.

The citizens of Lowell were intrigued with The Figher, and allowed the film crews to make the movie on location. The whole town became involved with the production, and many of them make cameos in the picture. However, some were upset with the film; the sisters of Micky and Dicky were not pleased by their crass depictions, and the real-life Dicky had reservations about the way his character acted. Nevertheless, most were very excited to get the opportunity to have their tales told on the big screen.

The Fighter, after nearly five years of development, was finally released in December 2010 to critical and commercial acclaim. It solidified David O. Russell's place as one of Hollywood's finest directors, paving way for films like Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle. Christian Bale and Melissa Leo won Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, respectively, at the Academy Awards, becoming the first dual-win of this type since Hannah and Her Sisters in 1986; The Fighter was also nominated for Best Picture, and won dozens of other year-end prizes.

The Fighter is a highly entertaining, and very poignant, drama that is regarded years after it's release. It is the best boxing movie since Raging Bull, and has become the Rocky of recent memory. With all the themes of family loyalty, following your passion, doing the right thing, and just being a good human being, there is much to discuss about this unique biopic. However, it is the shamefully un-nominated work of Mark Wahlberg that makes this film timeless. The Fighter is arguably my favorite sports movie ever made, and it's dedicated ensemble, crisp direction, and inspirational story makes arguing that point a tough fight.