1. Rocky (1976) - Silvestre Stallon
Winner of 1976 Oscar Best Picture. I decided to watch this after i watched Rocky Balboa(2006) not long ago in cinema. Who doesn't know Rocky series? It is as famous as Star Wars, and there're total of 6 episode. It tells about a good young fella name Rocky Balboa, a middle weight boxer who takes delight in helping people, guiding young people who're in the wrong path, and never stop dreaming of his dream. I enjoy his kindness showed towards pets; his innocence while courting his love Adrian; his trueness towards his best friend, Pauli, and his determination to keep fighting. You'll get motivated by watching this, especially during his training sessions. The most memorable scene for me is when Rocky rejoicing over his successful training in front of the Great Library.
Favorite quote:
Rocky: I can't do it.
Adrian: What?
Rocky: I can't beat him.
Adrian: Apollo?
Rocky: Yeah. I been out there walkin' around, thinkin'. I mean, who am I kiddin'? I ain't even in the guy's league.
Adrian: What are we gonna do?
Rocky: I don't know.
Adrian: You worked so hard.
Rocky: Yeah, that don't matter. 'Cause I was nobody before.
Adrian: Don't say that.
Rocky: Ah come on, Adrian, it's true. I was nobody. But that don't matter either, you know? 'Cause I was thinkin', it really don't matter if I lose this fight. It really don't matter if this guy opens my head, either. 'Cause all I wanna do is go the distance. Nobody's ever gone the distance with Creed, and if I can go that distance, you see, and that bell rings and I'm still standin', I'm gonna know for the first time in my life, see, that I weren't just another bum from the neighborhood.
2. Cinderella Man (2005) - Russel Crowe
Nominated for 3 Oscars. This movie tells a true story of 1930's middle aged boxer James Braddock who lived in the era of the Great Depression, at which the rate of unemployed is highest in America history, including a Braddock who has a wife and 3 children. Boxing no longer earns him a living and his powerful right hand is inured. However, in oder to save his family, he decided to fight again. His love for his family and his determination carried him through inspiring and unpredictable wins in the ring. He showed that heart is bigger than skills. His achievements inspired many Americans who 're suffering during the period, and people started calling him Cinderella Man. This is a very touching movie, and the fighting scenes are the best i'd ever seen.
Favorite quote:
Jim Braddock: You think you're telling me something? Like, what, boxing is dangerous, something like that? You don't think working triple shifts and at night on a scaffold isn't just as likely to get a man killed? What about all those guys who died last week living in cardboard shacks to save on rent money just to feed their family, 'cause guys like you have not quite figured out a way yet to make money off of watching that guy die? But in my profession - and it is my profession - I'm a little more fortunate.
3. Million Dolar Baby (2004) - Hilary Shwank
Winner of best picture in 2005 Oscar. It tells a story of a poor girl, Maggie, who wanted to be a boxer. Former boxer, Frankie(played b Clint Eastwood), at first reluctant, but at last touched by Maggie' determination, decided to break the rule and train a girl. Maggie came out to be successful, and bought a house for her unloving mother and sisters. However, mishap happened during a fight and she's paralyzed. The final 45 minutes of the movie is very heavy and moving as we struggle in the case of euthanasia. This is a very different kind of boxing movie, very touching.
Favorite quote:
Frankie Dunn: I swear to God, Father, it's committing a sin by doing it. By keeping her alive, I'm killing her. Do you know what I mean? How do I get around that?
Father Horvak: You don't. You step aside, Frankie. You leave her with God.
Frankie Dunn: She's not asking for God's help. She's asking for mine.
Father Horvak: Frankie, I've seen you at Mass almost every day for 23 years. The only person comes to church that much is the kind who can't forgive himself for something. Whatever sins you're carrying, they're nothing compared to this. Forget about God or heaven and hell. If you do this thing, you'll be lost. Somewhere so deep you'll never find yourself again.
Frankie Dunn: I think I did it already.
4. Raging Bull (1980) - Robert De Niro
Undeniably one of the best movie ever made, combined by the best actor of all time and the best director of all time, Martin Scorsese. Raging Bull tells the true story of Jake LaMotta, a middle weight champion who is on his way of self destruction. His rage and violence made him unstoppable in the ring, but there're a lot of inner struggles. We will hate this character but at the same time sympathize him. His feeling of insecurity towards his beautiful wife Vickie, his doubtfulness towards his own loving brother Joey(played by Joe Pesci) , and his lack of self control towards his sexual desire and his short temper made him loss everything he once earned. Raging Bull is undoubtedly De Niro's best performance in his career, and he deservedly won the best actor in 1980 Oscar, as he gained
Favorite quote:
Jake La Motta: Did you fuck my wife?
Joey LaMotta: What?
Jake La Motta: Did you fuck my wife?
Joey LaMotta: [pauses] How do you ask me that? I'm your brother and you ask me that? Where do you get you're balls big enough to ask me that?
Jake La Motta: I'm gonna ask you again, did you or didn't you? Just answer the question.
Joey LaMotta: I'm not gonna answer that. It's stupid. It's a sick question and you're a sick fuck and I'm not that sick that I'm gonna answer it. I'm leaving, If Nora calls tell her I went home. You know what you should do? Do a little more fucking and a little less eating, so you don't have to blame it all on me and everybody else, you understand me? You're cracking up! Ya' fucking screw ball ya'!
