As you are aware that we are inching towards the release date of Farhan Akhtar’s forthcoming boxing film ‘Toofaan’, which will start streaming from May 21, 2021, on the Amazon Prime Video streaming platform.
A few days back, we had compiled for you some of the prominent sports films revolving around the subject of boxing made by Indian filmmakers. And now, shortlisting from an extensive list, we have hand-picked for you some of the best Hollywood films made on the boxing sport. So, here we go:
1. Cinderella Man (2005)
Set during The Great Depression times, the film revolves around the incredible story of an underdog boxer James J. Braddock, who makes a grand comeback to eventually challenge the reigning world heavyweight boxing champ (played by Craig Bierko), and to look after his poverty-stricken family.
Directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard (A Beautiful Mind) and featuring Oscar winner Russel Crowe (Gladiator), the film truly deserves to be on the must-watch list for every cinema lover, irrespective of the genre.
2. Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Helmed by living legend Clint Eastwood, ‘Million Dollar Baby’ is a beautifully directed sports drama film that follows an aspiring boxer (Hillary Swank), who is trained by an undervalued boxing coach (Eastwood) to become a professional boxer.
The film also stars Morgan Freeman, who won an Oscar for his supporting performance in the film. Besides, Eastwood won two Oscar Awards for Best Motion Picture and for Best Direction while Swank bagged the Best Actress Oscar Award for this heart-rending film.
3. Raging Bull (1980)
The film starring the legendary actor Robert De Niro in the lead role is about the Italian American middleweight boxer Jake LaMotta and his ups and downs.
Directed by celebrated filmmaker Martin Scorsese, ‘Raging Bull’ is said to be one of the most influential films in Farhan Akhtar’s life and Farhan reportedly considers Robert De Niro as his Guru.
The cult film is ostensibly regarded as a cinematic reference piece for budding filmmakers. It was purposefully shot in black and white, and the mesmerizing performances were unanimously praised by audiences and critics alike.
4. Rocky III (1982)
Some movie watchers might argue that there are perhaps better films made on the subject matter than this one. However, the third installment of the Rocky franchise is one of the most entertaining boxing films ever with credible lead performances.
Special mention for the film’s final boxing match between Rocky Balboa and arguably his most formidable adversary Clubber Lang. The final sequence was beautifully directed by Sylvester Stallone and is certainly amongst the most exhilarating cinematic boxing matches ever filmed.
5. Southpaw (2015)
The most recent film in this list, Southpaw is an Antoine Fuqua’s (Training Day, The Equalizer) directorial venture. The film features Jake Gyllenhaal and Rachel McAdams in the lead roles.
An emotional roller coaster, the film revolves around the life of a boxer’s (Gyllenhaal) endeavors to regain his lost glory after an unfortunate incident ruins his professional and personal lives. Now the former boxing champion’s only motive is to return to the ring to get back his daughter’s custody, while concurrently dealing with an unfillable void in his life.
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