Cinderella Man

James J. Braddock (Russell Crowe), a rugged Irish-American boxer from New Jersey, had once been a force to be reckoned with in the ring, but a devastating hand injury forced him into premature retirement. This double-edged decision brought a mix of relief and despair for his wife, Mae (Renee Zellweger), who couldn't bear to watch her husband's violent profession, yet knew their financial struggles would only worsen without it.

As the Great Depression ravaged the United States, Braddock found himself struggling to make ends meet as a longshoreman, his broken hand leaving him vulnerable to the whims of the labor market. It was a harsh reality that forced him to face the brutal truth: there was no guarantee of employment from one day to the next.

Enter Joe Gould, Braddock's longtime manager and friend, who saw an opportunity for his fighter to earn some much-needed cash by filling in for a cancelled bout against formidable opponent Corn Griffin. Initially hesitant, Braddock's hesitation turned into a stunning third-round knockout that left both fans and experts alike stunned. It was as if his broken right hand had inadvertently honed his skills with his left, elevating his overall performance.

Despite Mae's reservations, Braddock seized the chance to return to the ring, driven by a growing confidence in his abilities. Gould, sensing an opportunity, urged him to take another fight, but not before confronting the harsh realities of poverty and desperation that had gripped both their lives.

As Braddock's winning streak continued, he became a symbol of hope for those struggling through the Depression. Sportswriter Damon Runyon dubbed him "The Cinderella Man," and soon enough, Braddock was representing the aspirations of a nation beset by hardship. The stage was set for a title fight against reigning heavyweight champion Max Baer, with Braddock facing off as a 10-to-1 underdog.

Mae's fears were palpable, knowing that Baer was a formidable opponent known for his brutal tactics in the ring. Promoter James Johnston even went so far as to force both Braddock and Gould to watch a film of Baer in action, a morbid reminder of what lay ahead. With the stakes higher than ever before, Braddock prepared to face his greatest challenge yet.

As Braddock stands tall, his unyielding confidence defies Baer's attempts at psychological warfare. The latter resorts to public humiliation, goading Mae by suggesting her partner might not emerge victorious from the upcoming battle. Her ire ignited, Mae retaliates with a drink thrown in Baer's direction, a testament to her unshakeable loyalty and determination. However, the thought of attending or even listening to the fight on the radio is too unbearable for her to bear.

In what would become one of the most remarkable achievements in boxing lore, Braddock pulls off an astonishing upset by defeating the formidable Baer on June 13, 1935, claiming the heavyweight championship of the world. This monumental victory cements his place among the all-time greats.

As a postscript to this triumphant tale, a graphic at the film's conclusion reveals that Braddock went on to construct the iconic Verrazano Bridge, a testament to his remarkable work ethic and resilience. He would later operate heavy machinery on the docks during the Great Depression, ultimately using his winnings to secure a comfortable life for himself and Mae. The couple would spend their golden years in the home they acquired with their hard-earned spoils, living out their days in contentment and tranquility.