Cinderella Man (DVD, 2005, Widescreen)

Not a fan of boxing? Not a fan of Renee Zellweger? Not a fan of Russell Crowe? This movie takes place during the time of the depression; even if you don't think you may want to watch a movie placed during that time, don't miss this one! I'm not a fan of boxing, Renee or Russell and I wasn't keen about seeing a movie that took place during the depression. Honestly, I wouldn't even have rented it if I hadn't been with someone who wanted to see it. I absolutely LOVED this movie; even my 15-year old loved this movie (and those of you with teenagers know how hard it can be to reach them). I am VERY glad I saw this movie and will be adding it to my small collection of favorite movies. This movie will undoubtedly take you through a range of emotions. It is about a man and his family who came from poverty; it is a movie about will, determination, love of family and more. The acting is incredible. I'm a writer and while I rarely think a movie was well-written, I feel that this one was! It didn't miss a beat!

Cinderella Man", Ron Howard's heart-felt film biography of boxing legend James J. Braddock, never received the recognition it deserved when first released, due, in large part, to Russell Crowe's bad press following a telephone-throwing incident. Overzealous critics tended to lump the incident and film together, and despite Crowe's public apology, many moviegoers skipped it. Now that the film is available on DVD, it's time to acknowledge the film for what it always HAS been; director Howard and star Crowe's FINEST film, together!

Braddock's story is so amazing and inspirational, that it is astonishing that it's taken seventy years to tell it. Sylvester Stallone 'borrowed' from it, extensively, in creating "Rocky", and in viewing the film, the parallels between fact and fiction are obvious; Braddock had been an 'up and comer' in the twenties, but broken bones and ill-advised matches had cost him a championship shot. Then the Depression struck, Braddock was wiped out, financially, and he struggled to support his wife and family through the most harrowing period in American history. Considered 'washed up' and too old for a comeback, all the boxer had going for him was his wife's love, his manager's faith, and his personal integrity, which refused to allow him to give up. He tenaciously climbed back up the ranks of younger title contenders, earning the adoration of a country trying to rebuild their own lives, as well, until, finally, he had his championship match, against ruthless 'killing machine' Max Baer. Their match would become the stuff of legends!

To director Howard's credit, he never 'over-sentimentalizes' the story, or tries to turn it into a soft-focus 'fairy tale'. His vision of the Depression is the most accurate and heartbreaking since the documentaries of the '30s, and will come as a revelation to those whose only knowledge of the period is a paragraph in a history book. Jim Braddock is not a 'Superman', but a hard-working, decent man with no higher vision than to provide his family a better life, and as magnificently portrayed by Crowe, he embodies qualities of honesty and dignity that many of us dream of, but seldom achieve. In any other year, he'd be a shoo-in for an Oscar for his performance, it's that good!

Matching Crowe's portrayal are Renée Zellweger, as his loyal wife, Mae, who perfectly channels a '30s 'style', as well as a gutsiness that is timeless, and the wonderful Paul Giamatti, as manager Joe Gould, who would sell everything he owned, rather than see Braddock give up. Giamatti, a veteran character actor who finally saw his 'breakthrough' in last year's "Sideways", should finally get his long-deserved Oscar, for this role.

"Cinderella Man" is a film that will continue to be cherished long after the filmmakers are gone, a tale rooted in an earlier era, but still timeless.

Excellent true story about a boxer trying to make a living during the depression years. I loved the connection between Russel Crowe and Renee Zelweiger. They portray a couple (The Braddocks) who are completely devoted to each other through one of the toughest times in the history of our country.
Although Jim Braddock is rough and tough in the boxing ring, he's a caring and sensitive man off the canvas.
Don't confuse this movie with Million Dollar Baby. Although they are both boxing movies, the comparison ends there. I've seen both and Cinderella Man is definetly the better of the two movies, as far as story line goes. This movie has some Golden Globe nominations and most likely will follow that up with Oscar nominations. Ron Howard has done it again!

Cinderella Man is a great drama movie. This is an inspiring movie based on a true story about a boxer during the Great Depression. Russel Crowe and Renee Zelweiger both give oscar worthy performances playing the boxer, Jim Braddock, and his wife. I never wanted to see this movie when it came out at the movies but I'm glad I ended up watching it when it came out on DVD. This is a great movie with a great story and great acting. You don't have to be a boxing fan to enjoy this movie. This is a great movie for everyone, from teenagers to adults. If you want to see a great drama then you need to watch this movie.

Just to think that all this actually happened to one man is amazing. He's and excellent fighter doing well and the depression hits and he has no money and can't get work. It's an amazing story and Renee Zellweger and Russell Crowe have this special chemistry together onscreen. I have watched it many times and will definitely watch it again. I highly recommend it even if you are not a fan of boxing. The boxing scenes are brilliantly filmed. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

It was a present for my husband, it's one of his favoite movies! It is one of those movies that makes you thankful to be alive, it is so inspiring and motivating! Russel Crowe is great in the film!

This movie is set in the time of The Great Depression. It starts right before it and shows you how hard that time affected people. Russell Crowe portrays James J. Braddock, who in turn, represents hope, and gives hope to people who were so down on their luck. He was an inspiration to his fans, and became loved by many. In my opinion, this movie is not as much about boxing as it is about having the strength to survive, even in the most terrible times of your life. I believe you will find the acting in this movie passionate, and worthwhile.

As a fan of Russell?s for over 7 years now I was really looking forward to this film.
I was NOT disappointed. Great film, he & Ron Howard did great jobs.

WHAT I AM VERY UPSET ABOUT:
As a film & DVD fan I would have preferred to purchase the collectors DVD set for the film but I could not, so I had to settle for this version of the film.

When I opened up the package, expecting to find the sheet with the chapter stops listed, bonus features, information about the film, what did I find instead? AN OPEN UP, 4 PAGE ADVERTISEMENT FOR KODAK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MY WORD!!!!!!!!!!!! WHO MADE THE DECISION TO PUT THIS IN THE DVD PACKAGE INSTEAD OF INFORMATION ON THE FILM OR THE DVD?

The makers of this DVD package should be ashamed of themselves for putting this film out in this condition.

If I want information about Kodak or it?s products A DVD PACKAGE FOR A FILM IS NOT WHERE I WANT TO FIND IT!!!!!!

Bad job Universal & Kodak!!!!!!!

This really hits home for a lot of us and this is just a true movie. Quality film, highly recommended.

This is one of the best movies I have ever seen. I think it's a little better than Rocky. I hope this movie is considered for an Oscar next year. If you wanna see a good movie check Cinderella Man out you won't be disappointed.

This a must see movie, and one I will watch over and over. One of the best performances by Russell Crowe and Renee Z.

My husband saw the previews from another dvd he was watching. I got on ebay and purchased it. He loves old movies and movies with sports included. I like love stories so it's great for the family. Thanks for the great buy:)

I saw part of this movie on tv and decided to order it. There were no problems with the buyer or the dvd. I was very pleased. I had good communication from the seller. The dvd was shipped quickly and safely. I would definately buy from this seller again.

I would recommend that the DVD be viewed/tested by the seller before listing. The movie started out fine up to scene 8 (out of 22). From that point forward it froze, moved in slow motion then stopped from playing. No matter if you paused, rewind, restart, stop and cleaned the disk - nothing improved the quality of the disk. There is a big scratch through it. I realize its a used DVD but to say that its very good. Did you mean the cover? I'm very disappointed.

The first reviewer has already said it the way I would have.
I would never have purchased this movie but a relative insisted
we should see it. I do not like boxing but more than boxing
this tells the story of how life was during the depression years
and the strength of the American people. We must never let
that happen to our people again.

THE ROLES PLAYED BY ZERACK AND CROWE WERE SOMEWHAT TOUGH TO CAPTURE THE TRUE ESSENCE DURING THAT PERIOD OF TIME, BECAUSE YTOU HAVE WELL FEED ACTORS PLAYING ROLES OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE'NT EATEN IN DAYS

SO THE CHARACTER ROLE PLAY WAS OUT OF SIGHT, EVEN WHEN THEY WERE ALWAYS HUGGING AND KISSING

THE FIGHTS HOWEVER WERE PURE AND GENUALLY OBTUSE

This movie is one of the all time greats.It draws you in from the very start,the story line is just fantastic.Russell Crow gives a performance for the ages.

This is a Great Movie and i recommend watching it. If you like a down and out and then comeback movie then check it out

This is one of those movies that the story would be too corny if not for the fact that it's true. It's a very uplifting movie, especially in the difficult financial era we are in right now.

This is a great movie, was watching on tv, wanted it to watch again in future, without the commercials.

Cinderella Man as well as Million Dollar Baby are a wonderful movies. We watched it anytime flipping through the channels (HBO). Now we can see the entire movie whenever we want. This is an excellent movie, over and over. This is definitely a winner. This copy is was actually for my dad. Believe it or not, he liked it, too... It's hard to find a movie where a 30 something, 50 something and a 70 something all enjoy the same movie. Great storyline, wonderful action. A not 'so girlie' movie, but yet not so violent that it is incomprehensible. This one is a KEEPER!

You just have to see this one to appreeciate it. A good depiction of how life hits us from all sides at times, especially when we're down. The relation of characters to history and real people is great. Get some tissue for this one.

Set in the Great Depression, this movie shows that you can keep your integrity in hard times. Like most movies it's far fetched at times, but I like the moral of the story.