The Fighter
A; Drama
Dir: David O Russell
Cast: Christian Bale, Mark Wahlberg, Melissa Leo, Amy Adams
Rating: ''' 1/2



What's it about:u00a0 Based on the true story of boxer Micky Ward who was a champ in the 1908s, The Fighter is a show reel of an extraordinary ensemble of actors. Mark Wahlberg plays Micky, while Bale is his brotheru00a0 Dicky Eklund a boxer but also a crack addict. Living under one roof, the dysfunctional family struggles to make it through each day.u00a0 Even in the darkest corners of their lives, there are moments of love and hope. Be it Micky's romance with Charlene (Amy Adams) or their mother Alice's (Leo) raging temperament that clouds her love and longing for the kids. Even though the focus is on boxing, there are many undercurrents of loss, sacrifice and compromise running through the film.

What's hot: Simply put, The Fighter has the best group of actors workingu00a0 together for any film of the last year. Right from Mellisa Leo to Christian Bale everyone is on the top of their game. There is no insecurity among them to overshadow the other. Despite having a pretty straight jacketed role, Wahlberg impressed with his restraint and composure. Hadn't it been for him, Bale's supporting act would have fell flat. It won't be a surprise when Bale and Leo take home the best supporting trophies at the Oscar on Sunday night. It's not just another sports movie or one that talks about the victory of an underdog. The Fighter works on many levels - it shows how determination and grit overcomes any obstacle if one wants to. It also shows that sometimes its okay to lose, not every fight has to be a win.

What's not: If you go in expecting something like Mickey Rourke's The Wrestler, then you might be disappointed. The Fighter is not just about the art of boxing, or the physical preparation for the sport, it's beyond everything one can imagine.

What to do: Watch it for the performances. The Fighter is a story that will resonate with anyone who's battled his inner demons and emerged a winner.