The Fighter: An award-worthy family drama

Written by Mark Schumann, Father of Three
Thursday, 27 January 2011 11:14

Each week, the Reel Dad checks the nutritional value of a movie — new or classic — to help parents choose what to watch. This week’s pick is a new film from director David O. Russell, The Fighter.

As parents, we actually never stop being children. No matter what age we reach, and how many years may pass, we continue to work through the residual lessons, perceptions and expectations our parents leave as lifetime souvenirs.

On the surface, The Fighter is a movie about boxing, specifically, the story of a family that makes a name for itself in the boxing world of the 1980s. But the film explores so much more than conflict in a ring that its title should refer less to competing in a sport than to surviving family dynamics. Boxing merely frames this fascinating study of the hurt and hope, pain and love, sorrow and joy that is a part of all parent-child relationships.

“Irish” Micky Ward is a boxer in a family obsessed with boxing. He lives in the shadow of his older half-brother, Dicky, who continues to relive a single moment of boxing fame many years before. Their immediate family, led by a domineering and determined matriarch, refuses to acknowledge how the long-forgotten celebrity has deteriorated. Everyone in this superficial clan is caught in illusion of what once was or could have been. Only when Micky meets a down-to-earth waitress does he begin to confront what his parents left for him and embrace what he can become.

With this foundation, director David O. Russell — best known for the haunting Three Kings — creates a compelling look at how even well-intentioned parents can, with little effort, complicate every life within reach. Russell and his screenwriters — Scott Silver, Paul Tamasay and Eric Johnson — strengthen the authenticity of the family issues by never letting the conventions of the genre overwhelm the relationships. We know, as an audience, that a boxing film will likely climax with a major bout in a ring. What’s surprising about The Fighter is the compelling journey we experience before ever reaching that predictable moment.

The casting is perfect. Christian Bale lives up to the promise demonstrated in so many films — dating back to his haunting work as a child in Empire of the Sun — with a devastating performance as the tortured Dicky. He owns every moment he is on screen with a portrayal that is captivating and authentic, from moments of broad humor to warmth for his family to intense battles with addiction. Bale clearly deserves the recognition he is receiving.

As the made-of-steel mother who masters the art of manipulation, Melissa Leo gives a striking, broad performance that is unforgettable in its rage. As strong as her portrayal, however, she is upstaged by the stunning subtlety of Amy Adams as the waitress. Never has this actress — a past Oscar nominee for Junebug and Doubt and remembered for Julie and Julia — shown such command of a tricky, complex role. She is so effective that, at first, it doesn’t seem possible this portrayal is coming from the same actress who sang with cartoon characters in Enchanted. Adams is that good. As Micky, Mark Wahlberg balances these strong performances with a subtle, layered characterization.

The Fighter will stay with you, perhaps for several days, as you consider parallels you have experienced even if you never stepped into a boxing ring. With your older children, sharing this film can offer a strong opportunity for conversation. Years from now, as they confront the lessons you may leave for them, they may be happy to recall the times you care enough to talk about what matters to a family.

Film Nutritional Value:

The Fighter

* Content: High. With a strong family story at its core, the film offers a fascinating account of how people who care for each other can also deeply hurt.

* Entertainment: High. As intense and serious as the film can be, its authentic portrayal of compelling characters is appealing. And don’t stay away simply because you don’t like boxing pictures.

* Message: High. This nutritious film carefully portrays the emotional roller coaster ride that life in any family can offer.

* Relevance: High. Any one who is a part of any family will relate to something that happens in this film.

* Opportunity for Dialogue: High. After you share this film with older children, talk about the positive, lasting support that family members can express, the hurt that can be shared, and the bonds of caring that make a difference.

(The Fighter is rated R for language, drug content, violence and sexuality. The film runs 115 minutes.)

5 Popcorn Buckets