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))

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 .

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.

An instant classic. The Day Of The Fight, is not only one of my Favorite Films of the year, but one of my Favorite all time Films. Jack Huston has Written a Beautifully Touching film without being sentimental. The Acting is Truthful especially with the films lead Actor Michael C. Pitt. He gives a Bravura performance. His work ranks right up there alongside Brando's, ON THE WATERFRONT, Newman's, SOMEBODY UP THERE LIKES ME, & Voight's, THE CHAMP. The supporting cast is sublime as well starting with, Ron Perlman and ending with Joe Pesci. Not only has Jack Huston proven himself as Wonderful Character Actor as well as a Leading Man, he is also an Excellent Writer, Director. His use of Black & White enhanced the film. The day in life of, Irish Mike Flannigan, made me laugh & cry. I guess you could see I loved this film and I can't wait to see it again. Don't miss it.

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.