Bleed For This (2016)
Director: Ben Younger. (15)
Rating: 4/5
Synopsis
Vinny “The Pazmanian Devil” Pazienza, (Miles Teller) is a boxing champion who, despite obvious talent as a fighter, lacks the discipline to turn that into a lucrative career. He is on the cusp of a big break when a car crash leaves him with a broken neck and needing to wear a spinal ‘halo’ until his body heals. Determined to continue his sport, he works with trainer Kevin Rooney (Aaron Eckhart) on the quiet so his parents don’t suspect to get back in the ring.
Review, by Jason Day
Sometimes, critics can totally miss the point, if not the plot. The Guardian's review for this boxing film, admittedly a very standard script, has slated it for being cliched. I put it to them that although they may have watched the film, they didn't see it.
Writer/director Ben Younger is man enough to face those cliches head on, pay them the due respect that a filmmaker should, then picks up his gloves and slugs on ahead with an otherwise stylish and peppy production.
This is a man's film (when the phrase could never be less fashionable) that understands not only the limitations of the genre it resides in (and actively works with and rises above them) but also the sport and those who play a part in it too.
If you saw any of the Rocky series and groaned at the hackneyed, 'seen it all before' feel of the later entries and been put off 'pugilism cinema', you should still sit down to see this film. If it manages to impress a non-sporty, whinging type as I, anyone can be turned.
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Image: Icon Films
