Southpaw

'A fighter only knows one way to work'

Though admittedly there are some boxing film cliches to be had in Gylenhall's latest film venture (which he has clearly bulked up for) there is undoubtedly some emotive and very moving content- that I'm not too willing to admit, had me in tears on occasion.

Having been persuaded to watch this film as opposed to others, whilst in New York, I was somewhat apprehensive as boxing/sporting narratives are not necessarily my first choice.

However, I was not disappointed. Rachel McAdams (Maureen) and Jake Gyllenhaal (Billy Hope) portray a relationship, and marriage, many would be envious of- as individuals raised by the state (again slightly cliche) they are portrayed as a couple with only each another in the world, and a daughter whom they adore.

Through the time in which Maureen (McAdams) is present you cannot help but be absorbed into the chemistry of this small family and the very obvious love there is between the three; the cynic may say the portrayal of this married couple is cheesy and staged, but on the contrary I would say very endearing. This all in all could possibly lead potential viewers to be 'fictionally heartbroken' (and if you're anything like me- tearful) at the preventable, but nonetheless tragic loss of Hope's wife. The tragedy does not end there and Gyllenhaal's grief and  heartbreak is exhibited masterfully- expected from an actor of his calibre- as his family is torn apart by social services.

As expected there are many fight scenes, with the occasional slow motion upper cut, and obligatory hip hop infused training montages that fill a fair amount of the film, unsurprising given the genre. Some of these fights are quite brutal, which for the ever so slightly squeamish (myself included) may be a tad difficult to watch- particularly for those who are not fans of bloodied, and bruised eye sockets.

Throughout the film money and greed are represented as the driver for many in the vacuous world of 'showbiz', and is an ever so subtle reminder that people around you at your highest point are not always present for your fall- again a convention of many sporting films. It also leads one to ponder on the idea that celebrities lives are commonly amusement and entertainment for the public, even when these people experience tragedy. 

Though generally my review of Southpaw is positive overall, there were some corners cut in the the latter half of this film, particularly with a 'inner city teen' named Hoppy- poverty stricken, black teen with an abusive father. Though another stock, cliche character in such films, his miniscule part in the plot leaves audience wanting to know more, an opportunity I believe missed by the writer.

Ultimately Gyllenhaal makes for a sympathetic character and the audience wants him to win.The generic formula of rise to fall, then intense struggle to once again rising is of course expected from a film of this genre, though this made it no less emotive. The support of Forrest Whitaker and Oona Laurence (Leila, Billy's daughter) carries the film in an engaging way to its predictable, but pleasing conclusion. 

Final verdict: 3.5 out of 5