Day of the Fight

A philosophical question, old as the hills, asks, IF YOU KNEW THIS WAS YOUR LAST DAY ON EARTH, what would you do differently? This is a fight film which is not a fight film, at least not what today's viewers expect. This is a film straight from the 1950s, in B&W in case you missed the clues. Where the script, the characterizations, the ambience are all more important than any punch thrown. Holds the attention. Recommended. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

You mudt go see Day of the Fight and spread the word. It will not disappointed! Far from being simply a trope boxing film, this movie is a passionate story of a man taking stock of his life. Boxing, though very well and accurately presented in the film, is almost incidental to the larger arc. Pitt conjured images of a young Jon Voight, and brilliantly carried us through Irish Mike's recovery of self. The entire supporting cast gave this film a heartbeat, a soul. Even the 'smallest' role gave us a sense of community, building Irish Mike's world for us. Huston knocked it out of the part with this directorial debut.

Michael Pitt is amazing in this , a great performance without one false note , this could have won an Oscar this year, if out on time , the scene with Joe Pesci is fantastic with both actors perfect. Hopefully this leads on to a career resurgence for Pitt , I could see him playing Chris in Heat 2 for instance . This was not just a one man show as the supporting cast was also fantastic, especially Pesci in an almost silent role and Ron Perelman who could have played this part in his sleep but brings a real presence to it . I believe if this had a different lead actor it be much better known but would not be the better for it ! Well done to all involved .

I absolutely loved this film. It grabbed me in the first few minutes and I was completely absorbed. Huston has made a muscular and lyrical film. Pitt deserves a nomination for Best Actor. He is incapable of a false moment. He is pitch perfect in every scene and it reminds of how Boardwalk Empire suffered without him. Now a man, Pitt acts with a depth that is funny and moving. Ron Perlman, Joe Pesci and Steve Buscemi are wonderful in supporting roles. Perlman steals every scene he is in. Huston's script has so many fine moments. The original music is gorgeous. Do not miss this film. It is a quiet classic.

Jack Huston's writer / director debut, New York boxing drama "Day Of The Fight", is beautifully shot in B&W but let down somewhat by its screenplay. The first bout in 10yrs (after a tragic car smash and its aftermath forced him out) for former Middleweight World Champion Michael Pitt (outstanding) is a televised world title fight (one of the film's many implausabilities) - which he spends the day of catching up with characters from his past (including Joe Pesci, Steve Buscemi, Ron Perlman, John Magaro, & Nicolette Robinson) and flashing back on moments that have brought him to this one. Huston's a better director than writer, but overall his debut is one with a solid punch.