The heartbreaking tale of a professional boxer struggling to balance riches and fame with compassion and love. Though, a drive inside, powers a determined outlook to achieve a mighty comeback.
Boxer Billy Hope hits rock-bottom after losing his family and falls into depression. His encounter with a former boxer gives him hope to stand up once again.
'Southpaw' strives to capture the highest highs as well as the lowest lows of life. Jake Gyllenhaal shines in his lead role, encapsulating all the emotions from desperation and frustration, to pure joy and elation. The sports film ensures a level of authenticity is maintained throughout, though it is the scenes portrayed outside the ring that are arguably most potent.
Antoine Fuqua very much mirrors the pace and intensity of a boxing match. One criticism of the spectacle is that it never comes up for breath, it's constant throughout, making for an extreme 120 minutes. The changing of events are too sudden, while the lack of light-heartedness means a lack of tonic for the heavy thriller.
Performances across the board are sensational. Gyllenhaal and Rachel McAdams are standout, with Forest Whittaker's supporting role providing the perfect blend of personalities for the drama unfolding on-screen.
A true rollercoaster of emotions that conveys what is truly important - family and love. Highlighting traits of determination, belief and resilience as the core of not only sport, but life itself.
For many, the film may seem exaggerated and extreme. However, its good intentions and detail of writing and illustrating the sporting world, makes 'Southpaw' enjoyable viewing.
