Cinderella Man

Name: Cinderella Man
Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport
Released: June 3, 2005
Duration: 144 min
Rating: 69
Cast: Craig Bierko, Renée Zellweger, Russell Crowe

2005

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 40 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 330 Ratings

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8.7

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8.7	User Score Universal acclaim based on 330 Ratings

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Cinderella Man

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Movie Details & Credits

Universal Pictures | Release Date: June 3, 2005 | PG-13

Starring: Craig Bierko, Renée Zellweger, Russell Crowe

Summary: In the middle of the Great Depression, when an America in the grips of a devastating economic downturn was nearly brought to its knees, there came along a most unlikely hero who had crowds cheering on their feet as he proved just how hard a man would fight to win a second chance for his family and himself. That common-man hero was James J.In the middle of the Great Depression, when an America in the grips of a devastating economic downturn was nearly brought to its knees, there came along a most unlikely hero who had crowds cheering on their feet as he proved just how hard a man would fight to win a second chance for his family and himself. That common-man hero was James J. Braddock, a.k.a. the "Cinderella Man"-who was to become one of the most surprising and inspirational sports legends in history. (Universal Pictures)… Expand

Director: Ron Howard

Genre(s): Biography, Drama, Sport

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 144 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Dallas Observer Robert Wilonsky

At last, his (Howard's) first great (and filling) movie--inspirational, yes, but far from hokey; moving, absolutely, but never saccharine; and gripping, despite its being a fixed fight. Read full review

100

Michael Rechtshaffen

Ron Howard and Russell Crowe bring the Braddock story to vivid life in a superbly acted, beautifully shot, highly engaging drama that ranks as one of Howard's best efforts. Read full review

Ty Burr

A broad, foursquare piece of populist filmmaking that happens to be tremendously moving. Read full review

David Edelstein

Howard manipulates audiences without guile, jerking tears, piling on catastrophes, smoothing out dissonances, making bad characters badder and good ones gooder--and clearly believing that this is wholesome. At what he does, he's peerless. I wish I had more respect for what he does--and for myself the next morning for surrendering. Read full review

Ed Halter

Despite the tale's dusty pedigree, Ron Howard spins a ticket-worthy two-plus hours of movie-movie entertainment. Read full review

James Berardinelli

Overlong and unevenly paced, Cinderella Man hits stretches (especially between bouts) when it threatens to lose its audience. Read full review

Stephanie Zacharek

Cinderella Man is ostensibly the kind of old-fashioned drama that sends audiences home with a satisfied glow. But like so many of Howard's movies, there's something canned and phony about it -- it left me feeling cooked and dehydrated, as if I'd fallen asleep on a tanning bed. Read full review

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User Reviews

Compi24

Nov 28, 2012

Gripping, rousing, and redolent of a much harder time, "Cinderella Man" is a purely endearing masterpiece of a sports drama.

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

Jake

Feb 5, 2006

The best movie of the year. More proof that the oscars don't mean shit. (except for Paul Giamatti's nom., which they only gave to him because they screwed him on sideways). A great story, well-executed and superbly acted. It's a pity that the folks handing out accolades are The best movie of the year. More proof that the oscars don't mean shit. (except for Paul Giamatti's nom., which they only gave to him because they screwed him on sideways). A great story, well-executed and superbly acted. It's a pity that the folks handing out accolades are too obsessed with controversial films to appreciate a truly great, yet down to earth movie.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

GatoradeJunkie

Oct 8, 2014

This movie is very moving! It is my all time favorite boxing movie. I relate to the characters so much. I honestly cry a couple times while watching this movie EVERY TiME!!!!! I highly recommend!

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

SusanJ.

Oct 19, 2005

What an incredible movie! Russell Crowe and Renee Zellweger did a fantastic job getting into the roles and portraying the emotions from that time period. You're touched from the very beginning.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

oblique15

Jul 17, 2014

You can enjoy Cinderella man even if you don`t like Boxing. It gets much deeper than boxing by touching on his life during the great depression.He struggles in life witch makes it more amazing when he wins fights on an empty stomach.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

AmyP

Dec 20, 2005

Having been disappointed with many of Ron Howard's films in the past, I was most pleasantly surprised by this film. I thought it was wonderful. I think Mr. Howard has matured - this film and "Beautiful Minds" is an indication of how good he has become as a director. Not only is the Having been disappointed with many of Ron Howard's films in the past, I was most pleasantly surprised by this film. I thought it was wonderful. I think Mr. Howard has matured - this film and "Beautiful Minds" is an indication of how good he has become as a director. Not only is the direction good, but so is the story, the editing and the acting; especially the finely nuanced performances of Russell Crowe and Paul Giamatti, who shines whenever he's on screen. I came into this film, not thinking the subject or the movie would interest me. I came out thinking that it is among one of the best movies I've seen in the last several years.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

KarlM.

Sep 14, 2005

Ron Howard should be executed and Renee Zellweger burned at the stake. Justice! Justice be made!

0 of 1 users found this helpful

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