Monday 25 January 2016

Film Review: Southpaw

Image credit: http://t2.gstatic.com
Southpaw (2015) stars Jake Gyllenhaal in the leading role as a light heavyweight boxer Billy Hope. After losing his wife (Rachel McAdams) Billy turns to retired boxer and trainer Tick Wills (Forest Whitaker) to turn his life around and get his young daughter back from child protection services.

Billy's wife Maureen accidentally gets shot following a brawl with a new up-and-coming boxer named Miguel Escobar. After this, Billy goes on a downward spiral abusing alcohol and drugs, and then his young daughter Leila is taken away from him and put into child protection services. Upon this incident, Billy decides to turn his life around and get his daughter back, and seeks help in the form of Tick who later begins to train him. Finally, Billy has the chance to fight Miguel for the chance to win the light heavyweight title, in which he succeeds, and then is reunited with Leila after the match.

It is well and truly an emotionally-fueled film, as we follow Billy's ups and downs after the death of his wife, and losing his daughter to child protection services. I did not expect myself to feel so emotional as I watched it, and it only led me to "believe in Hope" even more as I wanted him to get his life back on track. The tagline for this film is certainly well suited! Also, the film has an excellent soundtrack, executive produced by Eminem, and features some real adrenaline pumping tracks whilst we see some fantastic boxing scenes.

I would certainly recommend a watch to anyone, and would rate this film 8 out of 10.
I was surprised by this film because I actually really enjoyed it! Have you seen this film yet, and what did you think?
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2 comments

  1. I loved this film!

    It went in a different direction than I thought with him going off the rails so bad but it was brilliant.
    I was especially impressed by the actress who played his daughter.

    Bex x

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    Replies
    1. I really didn't know if I was going to like this film or not, but I actually loved it too!
      And I totally agree, the young girl who played Leila was excellent!! :) Thanks for your comment Bex! xx

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