Bokser

Director Mitja Okorn brings us a well-crafted drama that hides a step in Polish history in sport with an emotional story about the dreams, frustrations and ambitions of a lifetime.

With solid performances by its leading couple, Eryk Kulm and Adrianna Chlebicka, who carry on their shoulders the intensity of a drama that gains strength as we learn what lies behind this boxing story. As we get to know the characters, we also see the journey of a series of decisions that give life to this drama and with which its director manages to keep us focused on his entire proposal.

A supporting cast that also allows the leading couple to shine, cleverly managing to convey their raw, honest and sincere essence, and illuminating a dark period that its director knows how to handle with all the necessary touch to have the right amount of drama, intensity and comedy.

In any case, despite the film having a successful script, it is in its length where we feel that the story drags on too long, which at times implies that we have certain moments repeated within everything we are witnessing and makes the path to its correct and pleasant final climax feel a little tiring.

An honest bet by Netflix that is worth giving a chance, it is a very good film that ends up knowing how to use boxing as a life story with which we connect and also reflect on the history that often stains our lives.

Well written and you have sympathy with some of the key characters. I love most boxing films and this didn't fail to entertain. Some comedy, drama and emotional scenes all done quite well. It's a little long if I do have one complaint. The start is dragged out and could have been reduced.

The ending was quite fitting and wrapped up the movie quite well. Everyone acted really well. It's the first Polish Film I have seen and it's made me want to venture into the world of Polish cinema is this is anything to go by.

If you have 2.5 hrs to kill, this isn't a bad was to spend it.

It's a great little gem.

"Boxer" has its moments but ultimately feels a bit stretched, clocking in at a runtime that could have been trimmed. The story holds promise, but the lead actor's performance falls flat, lacking the depth necessary for a compelling protagonist. However, the main actress shines with a captivating performance that adds some much-needed real emotions to the film. Unfortunately, the boxing scenes miss the mark; they're filled with unrealistic, wide haymakers that no professional would throw, undermining the sport's authenticity. Overall, while there are highlights, "Boxer" fails to deliver a knockout punch.

Boxer tells the story of a young boy with a troubled upbringing, dominated by his abusive father. Despite his difficult childhood, the boy excels in chemistry, a talent that takes a backseat after his father's death when he transitions into the world of boxing. The movie captures his rise to fame, with Eryk Kulm delivering an outstanding performance as the protagonist. His portrayal of a boxer grappling with fame and internal demons is both powerful and nuanced.

The boxing scenes, while good, could have been more polished. Some moments lacked the intensity that makes boxing films truly stand out. Nevertheless, the story holds its own, particularly as it touches on the emotional and cultural realities of Polish sportsmen seeking opportunities abroad. While this is often viewed as a loss for the country, Boxer frames it as a narrative of triumph.

The movie is consistently engaging, though it is occasionally interrupted by a few boring scenes every 15-20 minutes, which slightly disrupt the overall flow. Despite these small hiccups, Boxer is an entertaining film that offers a compelling blend of personal struggle, sports, and Polish cultural commentary.

Who also had an uncle who was a coach, was also a Polish champion, emigrated at a similar time and had a similar relationship with his wife. At the beginning of his emigration he also couldn't find a job and when he did fight they gave him weak opponents (supposedly). His private life was also similar to the film (he broke up with his wife and later got back together) and eventually he also returned to Poland. Apparently he didn't agree for the film to be his biography because he wouldn't have come out well in it, but it's hard to believe that the scriptwriters didn't communicate with him. I think this is the true story of boxing in Germany then and maybe now.