Cinderella Man Essay Example

The movie is about a real life inspiration James J. Braddock, an Irish-American boxer, formerly and a light-heavyweight contender, who is strained to give up boxing due to an arm injury in the ring. It is a relief for his wife Mae, yet she knows without his boxing they will not have a good income. The United States enter the Great Depression; Braddock has to do manual labor to support his family, with his hand injury. Braddock's longtime friend and manager, Joe Gould, offer him another chance to make some money. The fight is against Corn Griffin, number-two contender for the world title. Braddock dazes the boxing fans and experts with a knockout of his dreadful opponent. He believes due to his injury his left arm became more proficient, improving his ability in the ring.
Braddock is victorious, and his success story gets out, sportswriter Damon Runyon nicknames him "The Cinderella Man", and so on Braddock symbolizes the aspirations and hopes of the public struggling with the Great Depression. Fight against Baer for the title comes his way. Mae is scared as Baer, the champion, is a fierce man who has killed two men during fights in the ring. But Braddock does not fear. On 13th June 1935, boxing history faced greatest upset, Braddock defeats the invincible Baer to become the world heavyweight champion.
No matter how weak things look and impractical goals can be, one can always attain them if worked hard enough, therefore, the name "Cinderella Man" suits best. Another important theme is Loyalty. Gould never leaves Jim all through the film and continuously supports him. In the end, it pays off as they get a championship. Being good to one’s family is another wonderful message is portrayed in the film. As Jim’s fights provide for his family, he is loyal and is hopeful for his boxing career, he hopes they get paid well to get an apartment of his own. Braddock turns into a hero who gives hope to people harassed to survive the dreadful times.