Prizefighter: The Life of Jem Belcher

Pretty good film, good story, some great acting - especially by Winstone - but it doesn't inspire you or evoke emotion like Cinderella Man. Still recommend it though.

The greatest boxing film of all time -- of many to choose from -- is Cinderella Man (2005). It is technically perfect, it remains exhilarating no matter how many times you watch it, it is on my IMDb list of great films, and it stars Russell Crowe. This boxing film also stars Russell Crowe. But the similarities end there. This film is an interesting experiment in combining a sports film with an historical biography ... to see how they mix? The result is entertaining, but in many places awkward and imbalanced. The moment the protagonist becomes champion, he immediately chooses a dark path. The viewer is disappointed. The moment the protagonist has a chance at redemption, the scriptwriter (who is also the star!) borrows every trope and trick you have ever seen in a Rocky film, and throws them onscreen. To see what sticks. Another disappointment. The pattern becomes clear. No matter how often Belcher wins, the audience always ends up the loser.

Thoroughly enjoyed this Film, great cast, and well written would definitely recommend. Just goes to show you don't need a multi million dollar budget to make a good movie, just some passion and good actors.

I take my hat of to Matt Hookings for righting and directing this but it's been done before and better, standard plot line and I didn't overly care for his character. Ray Winston does a great turn as Ray Winston (no harm, no foul 😃) but Cinderella Man or million Dollar baby had me both heavily invested in characters and in tears at points, this has neither. Watch, Enjoy & Review.

It's well acted, well shot and the score is excellent but it's very confused as a historical account of early 19th century boxing.

The fight between Belcher and Pearce would not have been fought with gloves, nor would it have had timed rounds. It would have been fought under London prize ring rules since it was about 60 years away from the Marquis of Queensbury changing the game.