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May 09, 2007
Why I Love Cinderella Man
So diverging from my usual cute baby picture and Nat update, thought I'd share why I think this movie is so awesome...a way higher caliber than one of the previews I was subjected to when we went to see Spider Man this last weekend. More on that in a later post...
For those of you who haven't seen the movie, Cinderella Man is the story of James Braddock, a boxer during the Great Depression who makes a comeback after years of injuries and lost fights. His integrity as a husband and father is so inspiring. A must see...I recently viewed it again, so it's fresh in my mind. Of course, it fits my favorite genre of underdog and redemption. I'm so predictable :)
So here goes, reasons why I love Cinderella Man and why James J. Braddock was a "real man."
1. He loved his wife. Through all their problems, they stuck together. They stayed playful and affectionate and didn't let trials put a wedge between them.
2. He loved his family. He took crappy jobs to keep them together. He went without food himself so his kids wouldn't go hungry. When the jobs ran out, he humbled himself and went on welfare...then later payed it all back!
3. He loved his country. It wasn't enough to fight his way through the Great Depression and poverty and get beat up for a living; he served bravely in WWII as well.
4. He didn't complain. He set himself and his own needs aside.
5. He was extremely tough but also extremely gentle. When his son steals food, he goes with him to return it and doesn't shame or berate him but reassures him of his love and speaks directly to the fear that drove him to steal in the first place.
6. He had class and confidence in who he was. When insulted by an arrogant boxer that he is to fight, Braddock doesn't take the bait. Instead he makes a good-natured retort that gives the other guy no satisfaction and says "I don't need to lower myself to your level."
7. He was humble, identifying with the common man and never forgetting his roots in his success.
Well, there's probably more, but that's enough. Put it on your Netflix queue!
Posted by Shannon at May 9, 2007 10:15 AM