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Cinderella Man (2005)

PG-13  |   |  Biography, Drama, Sport  |  3 June 2005 (USA)
8.0
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Ratings: 8.0/10 from 140,780 users   Metascore: 69/100
Reviews: 524 user | 200 critic | 40 from Metacritic.com

The story of James Braddock, a supposedly washed-up boxer who came back to become a champion and an inspiration in the 1930s.

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Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 15 wins & 36 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

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Storyline

During the Great Depression, a common-man hero, James J. Braddock--a.k.a. the Cinderella Man--was to become one of the most surprising sports legends in history. By the early 1930s, the impoverished ex-prizefighter was seemingly as broken-down, beaten-up and out-of-luck as much of the rest of the American populace who had hit rock bottom. His career appeared to be finished, he was unable to pay the bills, the only thing that mattered to him--his family--was in danger, and he was even forced to go on Public Relief. But deep inside, Jim Braddock never relinquished his determination. Driven by love, honor and an incredible dose of grit, he willed an impossible dream to come true. In a last-chance bid to help his family, Braddock returned to the ring. No one thought he had a shot. However Braddock, fueled by something beyond mere competition, kept winning. Suddenly, the ordinary working man became the mythic athlete. Carrying the hopes and dreams of the disenfranchised on his shoulders, ... Written by Sujit R. Varma

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

When America was on its knees, he brought us to our feet. See more »

Genres:

Biography | Drama | Sport

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for intense boxing violence and some language | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Official Sites:

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

3 June 2005 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

El luchador  »

Box Office

Budget:

$88,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$18,320,205 (USA) (3 June 2005)

Gross:

$61,644,321 (USA) (25 November 2005)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

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Color:

(Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Max Baer, who's paternal grandfather was Jewish, boxed with a Star of David embroidered on his trunks. The star is visible on Baer's red trunks throughout his fight with Braddock in the final fight scene. See more »

Goofs

During the press conference before the Max Baer fight, one reporter identifies himself as being from the New York Herald. In fact, the paper had been known as the Herald Tribune since 1924, when the Herald and the Tribune merged. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Joe Gould: Attaboy! Keep him busy!
See more »

Crazy Credits

Before the title appears the following: "In all the history of the boxing game, you'll find no human interest story to compare with the life narrative of James J. Braddock." - Damon Runyon (1936) See more »

Connections

Featured in HBO First Look: Cinderella Man (2005) See more »

Soundtracks

Shim-Me-Sha-Wabble
(1917)
Written by Spencer Williams
Performed by Miff Mole and His Molers
Courtesy of Columbia Records
By Arrangement with Sony BMG Music Licensing
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
Wonderful!!!
13 May 2005 | by (United States) – See all my reviews

This is the best film Ron Howard has ever done. They really caught lightning in a bottle with this one. All the departments brought their A game to the table. I especially loved the editing and cinematography.

The cast is perfect and, under Ron Howard's confident hand, all give amazing performances. Russel Crowe's soulful performance puts him back in Maximus territory here and, boy, was this cat born to play these types of roles. Bruce McGill is in it (San Antonio, represent!!!) and that's always a good thing.

My only complaint (if it can be called that) is that the boxing sequences break no new ground. They are very reminiscent of the boxing sequences in Raging Bull. They are so well executed, however, that I quickly forgot about this small nitpick.

The script works on so many levels, it's not even funny. There is plenty of time devoted to character development and it pays off handsomely in the long run as we really care about Jim Braddock every time he steps in the ring.

All in all, Cinderella Man is a rousing, classy film that utterly satisfies.


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