COLUMN: These 5 Boxing Movies will Inspire you to Step into the Ring

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These 5 Boxing Movies will Inspire you to Step into the Ring

The pop culture and media that surrounds us has the ability to impact our lives, perhaps much more than we even realize; but the truth is that we absorb many subliminal and conscious messages from the media that we watch on a daily basis. Many of us will pick on different aspects of the movie and then try to consciously or unconsciously imitate them; for example, we pick on accents, dressing, foods, communication skills and other general aspects of life. 

Movies and T.V shows actually allow us to escape our reality and enter a new world that we might actually never be able to live through ourselves; hence we allow ourselves to devour and get consumed by what we watch on the screens. This inspiration that we get from watching our favorite characters roll out and evolve might stay with us forever, or it might even just be short lived. But whatever it is, we cannot deny the kind of power that the media has over us. 

This has forced us to think about how we may actually be able to mold this process for our own advantage. And we can’t help but think how we can use the art of film making to actually motivate and encourage us to continue working out and staying fit! 

This week we want to target all the aspiring boxers out there who are finding it difficult to stay passionate about the sport that they love so much! After all, boxing is quite a difficult sport that requires you to stay on top of your game at all times, and yes sometimes it can get so overwhelming that you mind find it difficult to stay motivated. Pull up those boxing gloves because we have composed in this article a list of 5 movies that will really prompt you to enter the ring and give your best! 

Million Dollar Baby

Million Dollar Baby is a must watch for anyone who thinks they are too old or too late to start a career in boxing. This movie will tell you that with determination anything is possible. Directed by Clint Eastwood, Million Dollar Baby stars Hilary Swank as Maggie, who is the protagonist of this film. Clint Eastwood who is the irritable and impatient coach (Frankie) however. Persuaded by the sheer will power and passion in Maggie, Frank decides to coach and guide her. Although the odds are against her, will she be able to prove herself at the end of the movie?

This movie is an epitome of self assurance and willpower; as many of us assume that there is only a certain age limit in which you can excel at any kind of sport, let alone excel and make it your career. However, the movie discusses themes of guidance, hope, trust, women rights, equality in sports and most importantly self confidence and belief that you can accomplish anything that you desire. 

This is a must watch for anyone interested in making a career for themselves in boxing. 

Rocky

Rocky can quite possibly be considered the most famous boxing movie ever. Rocky is a definitive gambler story about an underdog and amateur boxer. At the point when heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed, decides to visit Philadelphia in search for an obscure fighter to take on in a display match, the protagonist takes this as an opportunity to make a mark in the world of boxing.

In real life, Sylvester Stallone (who plays the main character) was a struggling artist himself who really did struggle to make a name for himself in the film industry. This is a little known fact but Stallone actually wrote the script of the film himself, reflecting his own efforts and experiences as a grappling artist who just wanted to excel and create a presence in Hollywood. If you really think about it, then this film can be considered an autobiography to some extent. 

Going forward Rocky became one of the most inspiring films of all times; watched, enjoyed and regarded by many aspiring boxers to this day.    

Creed

Continuing the legacy of Rocky, Creed is a treat for its fans. Directed by Ryan Coogler, Creed stars Sylvester Stallone as the famous character of Rocky Balboa and Michael B. Jordan who plays Adonis Johnson, the son of Apollo Creed (Rocky’s friend and opponent.)  Creed is a movie that explores an individual’s passion for boxing because it runs in his blood, and no matter how much he was sheltered from a life of boxing he can’t seem to escape it. 

This movie teaches you to be true to yourself and appreciate every passion that you have, to nurture it and to try and excel in it. Creed also dwells into the dark truth about boxing and how seriously damaging it can be to a boxer and his family. Yes, we are all amused and thrilled with watching two individuals fighting and combating in the ring, but do we realize the effort, blood and sweat that go into it. Creed dictates that boxing is a lot more than just a sport to boxers, and one match can determine a new lifestyle for the entire family.

The protagonist, Adonis, although aware of how shattering the sport of boxing had been for his family, somehow he cannot help but follow the same career path of his father. This film will help you gather courage and motivation to step into the ring no matter how scared or intimidated you feel.  

Raging Bull

Directed by Martin Scorsese, Raging Bull stars the famous Robert De Niro as the main protagonist of the film. Raging Bull is an excellent depiction of how the ring can be a place for any individual to escape and express their feelings fully. More than a boxing film, the movie is actually a screenplay that discusses the extent of a man’s jealousy, envy and ragging anger that can completely consume them from inside and out. 

As a boxer the sport is an excellent platform to vent out your stress and anger. However, any good player should and would be able to control their feelings and emotions and just concentrate on the game. However our protagonist is seen ignoring all rules and just going into the game with angst and frustration. 

This film is a masterpiece no doubt and as an aspiring boxer one will be able to relate to the strong feelings of the protagonist; however by the end of the film it is quite clear where to draw a line as a professional boxer and an angry jealous man throwing punches. 

Cinderella Man

Directed by Ron Howard, Cinderella Man is an extremely inspiring story played out beautifully by the renowned actor Russell Crowe as James J. Braddock. This movie depicts the unpredictability of the sport of boxing and how a few defeats can literally change your entire lifestyle. Provided, this film takes place during the Great Depression, we as the audience get to experience the life of a struggling fighter whose talents are put to test one last time so that he may regain his lost pride. 

This film teaches you to stay motivated and steadfast no matter how tough times may get for you as an athlete and boxer. Today or tomorrow you will be able to regain your lost image; you just need to remain consistent with your passion. Otherwise winning and losing are part of the game.