Acclaimed director Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, The Equalizer) teams up with screenwriter Kurt Sutter (Sons of Anarchy) to produce one of the finest films of the year 2015. In Southpaw, Jake Gyllenhaal with all his versatility has yet again delivered a performance that will certainly be remembered. It is neither a boxing movie nor a Raging Bull style rise and fall sports drama, it’s all laced with enough emotions and drama to keep you gazing till the end.
Jake Gyllenhaal is all on top as a seasoned boxer Billy Hope who goes all down in life to rise again and keep the hope alive for others. The film starts with Hope leading a lavish life with his lovely wife Maureen (Rachel McAdams) and an adorable daughter Layla (Oona Laurence). Regarded as the king of the sport, he is however on the verge of his career and often vulnerable just like his defense skills.
As tragedy strikes Hope, he loses his wife in the mid of a brawl between another young fighter Miguel Escobar (Miguel Gomez) who certainly wanted to take on Hope inside the ring. This unfortunate incident thrusts Hope even down in life, following no contract, dissertation of his friends, and a child-custody battle.
Watch the Movie Trailer – Southpaw
Southpaw is about a troubled fighter, who has been almost written off following personal tragedies but eventually rises above to regain his status. Honestly, this movie is no different than what we have watched in countless boxing movies. Be it Rocky or The Fighter, every other movie has either a human story to tell or at least a saga of success, failure, and redemption.
While Gyllenhaal’s performance actually keeps up your interest in the movie, Southpaw could have been better if the storyline actually explores the back-story of the central character (his orphanage status), Hope’s training to come back to the ring, and even a little more convincing performance from Jake Gyllenhaal to get back his daughter (somehow the desperation was lacking). Nevertheless, if you’re a great boxing fan, Southpaw is indeed a good one to watch.
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams, Forest Whitaker, Oona Laurence, 50 Cent
Director: Antoine Fuqua
Writer: Kurt Sutter
Cinematography: Mauro Fiore
Release Date/Year: June 15, 2015 (SIFF); July 24, 2015 (United States)
Where to watch Southpaw (2015)
