The Fighter

2010/ US/ 116 mins/ Dir. David O. Russell
Cast inc Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams

The Oscar winning true story of two brothers who, against all the odds, come together to train for a historic title bout that will unite their fractured family, redeem their pasts and, at last, give their hard-luck town what it’s been waiting for: pride.

Mark Wahlberg stars in this inspirational drama exploring the remarkable rise of Massachusetts-born, junior welterweight title winner “Irish” Micky Ward. A determined pugilist whose career in the ring was shepherded by his loyal half-brother, Dicky (Oscar Winner Christian Bale, Best Supporting Actor) – a hard-living boxer-turned-trainer whose own career in the ring was nearly sent down for the count due to drugs and crime. Whilst Dicky serves as his highly unreliable trainer,  Micky’s tougher-than-nails mother, Alice (Oscar Winner Melissa Leo, Best Supporting Actress) manages his career.

When Micky’s latest fight nearly kills him, it looks like it could all be over – until his iron-willed new girlfriend, Charlene (Amy Adams), convinces him to do the unthinkable: split with his family, pursue his own interests and train without his increasingly volatile and criminal brother. After a series of disheartening defeats, underdog Irish Micky’s fierce combination of determination and hard work final pay off.