With a heartening story in tow, the film transforms a regular tale of suffering, loss and redemption extraordinarily. Though laden with cliches, it is consistently hard-hitting and never loses plot. The right blend of heart and skill works in suffusing an operatic feel to the movie which is an absolute knockout.

Bleed, sweat and jab with Billy Hope through his downfall and rise. Watch this boxing drama for Jake Gyllenhaal and Forest Whitaker.

The average script rises above the ordinary because one, the direction and two the acting. You care about Billy Hope because of the conviction with which Gyllenhaal essays the role. Whether it is the physical looks of a boxer or emoting desperation about his daughter, he is brilliant.

Ultimately it’s a story of hope and redemption, and on a simplistic level, it works. It’s not the best movie, but it’s harmless and well acted for sure. Given Gyllenhaal’s physical transformation for the role, a better-written movie would have been more worthy.