Director David O. Russell has taken The Fighter, an ordinary story and turned it into a character driven tour de force nominated for several Academy Awards. Based on the true story of boxer Micky Ward’s (Mark Wahlberg) rise to stardom, it is the ensemble cast of characters that collectively produce an astounding Oscar worthy film under Russell’s direction. Christian Bale’s searing performance as Micky’s boxing trainer is remarkable. A burned out crack addict who once had the possibility of being great in the ring himself, Bale delivers what is probably the performance of his career, virtually disappearing into the role with astounding ferocity and creating an unforgettable character that is equal parts repellent and endearing.

The plot of The Fighter is a familiar one but what truly elevates this film above being just another boxing movie are its fascinating characters.

Alice (Melissa Leo) is the hard-bitten, overbearing, manager/mother with the heart of a lioness. A fighter herself, she is convinced that she alone knows what is best for her boys, and Leo delivers a wrenching performance that cements this riveting family drama. Amy Adams is amazing as Mickey’s girlfriend, Charlene, who has to grapple with her boyfriend’s family, including his seven sisters, his possessive mother, and with his rise to fame. Mark Wahlberg plays The Fighter’s protagonist, Micky Ward, a mildly successful boxer who is known for being a stepping-stone for other fighters on their way to bigger bouts. In Micky’s corner, literally and figuratively, is his trainer and older brother Dicky (Christian Bale), a crack addict whose drug problem ruined his own career as a boxer. As Micky begins to receive offers of representation from legitimate promoters, Dicky’s drug addiction starts to spin out of control. Micky is faced with the choice of doing what’s best for himself and his career or remaining loyal to his troubled family.

At its heart The Fighter is a boxing film. Micky may be the eponymous hero of the title but each of the central characters are fighters in their own right, battling to better their lives and better themselves. The Fighter is suspenseful and exciting, the story so captivating that even though the ending may not come as a surprise it is still riveting until the final frame. The Fighter is an absolute must see and a serious multiple Oscar contender.

-Galadriel Barrett-Laffan