This impressive biopic - about washed-up 1930s heavyweight boxer James Braddock, who fought poverty and injury to make a surprise comeback in the ring - features a superb lead performance from Russell Crowe (pictured, left).
Efficiently directed by Ron Howard, the film follows Braddock as he struggles to survive in the Depression. A former boxer, he's forced to work in a dockyard to support his wife (Renée Zellweger) and family. Ex-manager Joe Gould (Paul Giamatti) gives him a break, offering Braddock the chance to become an opponent for a rising heavyweight challenger.
It's a huge turning point in Braddock's career, seeing him rise up to a title shot against the invincible Max Baer (Craig Bierko). Highly recommended.
Cinderella Man is a Film programme that first aired in 2005 and has been classified a 12 certificate.
