Director: Ron Howard
Writer: Cliff Hollingsworth, C. Gaby Mitchell, Akiva Goldsman
Starring: Russell Crowe, Renee Zellweger, Paul Giamatti, Craig Bierko, Bruce McGill
Released: September 29, 2005
Rating: (M)
Runtime: 147 minutes
Websites:
Story: Russell Crowe stars in the story inspired by the life of legendary athlete Jim Braddock, a once-promising light heavyweight boxer forced into retirement after a string of losses in the ring. As the nation enters the darkest years of the Great Depression, Braddock accepts a string of dead-end jobs to support his wife, Mae (Renee Zellweger), and their children, while never totally abandoning his dream of boxing again.

Thanks to a last minute cancellation, Braddock finds himself back in the ring against the second-ranked world contender - and to everyone's amazement, Braddock wins in the third round. Despite being pounds lighter than his opponents and repeated injuries to his hands, Braddock continues to fight against challengers and win. Carrying on his shoulders the hopes and dreams of the disenfranchised masses, Braddock, dubbed the "Cinderella Man," faces his toughest challenger in Max Baer (Craig Bierko), the heavyweight champion of the world, renowned for having killed two men in the ring.
Cast:
Russell Crowe Jim Braddock
Renee Zellweger Mae Braddock
Paul Giamatti Joe Gould
Craig Bierko Max Baer
Paddy Considine Mike Wilson
Bruce McGill Jimmy Johnston
David Huband Ford Bond
Connor Price Jay Braddock
Ariel Waller Rosemarie Braddock
Patrick Louis Howard Braddock
Rosemarie DeWitt Sara Wilson
Linda Kash Lucille Gould
Nicholas Campbell Sporty Lewis
Gene Pyrz Jake
Chuck Shamata Father Rorick