Anyone see Cinderella Man?

[L.J.]

I saw this movie....which is a little odd because I don't like boxing or fighting. In fact, I looked away a lot during the bouts. But I must say that I totally fell in love with the characters. They were amazing people (if this was an accurate depiction) and I loved the way they treated each other and their children.

I'm hoping there are men out there who are like him and have such a deep a devoted love to their family.....and hoping one finds his way near me soon!!!!!

[Moya]

I was thinking about renting it someday but now I'm not sure. I don't like movies that feel compelled to exaggerate "the bad guy" role - people are almost always more complex than to be just labelled the villain. I'm wondering what anyone who's seen the film thinks of this review:

http://www.counterpunch.org/zirin06212005.html

Was Max Baer portrayed fairly or did they make him out to be a monster?

[L.J.]

Originally Posted by Moya

Was Max Baer portrayed fairly or did they make him out to be a monster?

I would have to say that he was portrayed very UNfairly and they did make him out to be an arrogant monster.
For me it was a small part of the movie and I was drawn into the warmth and love of the characters long before the Max Baer character was introduced.

I did read the counterpunch article and it brought up some good points about Max Baer. Having read it, I'm sorry Howard didn't make it "factually based" regarding Baer. I'm guessing the typical viewer prefers the hollywood good vs. evil than the real facts. Sad though. I think it could have been a better story based on the facts.

As for the other points in counterpunch, I disagree with much of it. They were portraying a specific part of the Great Depression and the lives of specific people. Who is to say it was not an accurate portrayal of those specific people? No one would have the desire or time to see a movie that could cover all the complexities of a time period like the Great Depression. I certainly don't fault Howard for choosing to represent that one aspect of it.

I'm glad you posted that link. It provided some very insightful and interesting points to consider.

[Moya]

Thanks, L.J. I'll definitely rent the film when it comes to dvd.

Sad though. I think it could have been a better story based on the facts.

ITA. If they had made Max Baer's character factually historical it could only make the story better. Heck, a film based on Max himself as the main character would be pretty interesting.

I can't really comment much more since I haven't seen the movie (yet).