This is a remake of the classic Wallace Berry original from 1931, it was well made and is a more modern uptake of the original. The theme and plot of this movie is timeless, it transcends eras and is as relevant today as it was in 1931! This is a "must see", I also recommend you find the time to watch the 1931 original, BOTH are excellent watches and well worth the time. I sometimes wish Holleywood would get back to movies like these, they are always worth the price of admission and are good for the heart. We can only hope! This will be a great movie to view with the whole family, just put on the pop corn, fill your glass with your favorite beverage and prepare to be completely entertained! Your children will remember this one!
70 Reviews
Ricky Schroder steals the show
disdressed1222 June 2010
this remake of the 1931 film of the same name,is pretty darn impressive.just like the original film is all about the love a father has for his son,and the son has for his father.Jon Voigt plays the father,a washed up former champion boxer,now an alcoholic and gambler.he also happen to be a father to an eight year boy,played by Ricky Schroder.in the original film,nine year old Jackie Cooper played the son and stole the show.the same thing happens here.Eight year old Ricky Schroder owns the film.the only complaint i have about this film,and it's minor one,is that it's maybe a bit too long.other than,i prefer it to the original.the ending packs a real wallop.for me,The Champ is an 8/10
Teary Eyed
cb_roache14 June 2007
Warning: Spoilers
If you're a bloke and you don't like the idea of anybody seeing you cry, watch this film on your own. Yes it is that sad.
Really well made and brilliant performances all round, the kid TJ is one of the sweetest kids I've ever seen on screen, absolutely adorable with bags of talent.
John Voight was brilliant as well as a down on his luck ex boxer who's just trying to make a good life for himself and his son. The story is one that I'm sure many can relate with, whether you're a single parent, have a great relationship with your father or can simply appreciate a film with strong acting. If you have a son that loves you as much as TJ loved 'the champ' your very lucky and should treat each day as your last.
The only other film that had me welling up like this was the Imitation of Life also well worth a look , but have tissues to hand! This review is coming from a cynical bloke too! CBR
Really well made and brilliant performances all round, the kid TJ is one of the sweetest kids I've ever seen on screen, absolutely adorable with bags of talent.
John Voight was brilliant as well as a down on his luck ex boxer who's just trying to make a good life for himself and his son. The story is one that I'm sure many can relate with, whether you're a single parent, have a great relationship with your father or can simply appreciate a film with strong acting. If you have a son that loves you as much as TJ loved 'the champ' your very lucky and should treat each day as your last.
The only other film that had me welling up like this was the Imitation of Life also well worth a look , but have tissues to hand! This review is coming from a cynical bloke too! CBR
The most EMOTIONAL movie ever made, A 10-hanky MUST-SEE!
scoobyg6913 March 2000
Once upon a time, when I was 10 years old, my father took me from playing with my friends to see this movie called "The Champ." And now, I can't wait to share it with MY children. Truly, the most EMOTIONAL movie I've ever seen. Jon Voight plays the role of ex-Boxing champion Billy Flynn who attempts a comeback to help his son. Ricky Schroder is the object of affection from his down-on-his-luck father, AND his rich mother (Faye Dunaway)who deserted him many years ago. The conflict between the parents is so painfully realistic, but it's Ricky's acting performance as T.J. that steals the show and your heart. Have SEVERAL boxes of tissue handy when viewing this film, because there are MANY scenes that will draw tears from the hardest of hearts. NO ONE can sit through this film and not be affected by the emotional impact, unless they are just a cold-hearted, unloving, uncareing person. I rate this one a 10-hanky MUST-SEE!
Classic tear-jerker about a washed-out fighter and his adoring son
ma-cortes21 October 2022
Bill Flynn (John Voight) works in the back-stretch at Hialeah when no drinking or gambling his money . He is an alcoholic ex-boxer who struggles to provide a good living for his son T. J. Flynn (Ricky Schroder at his absolute best) . Despite his frequent binges, his frequent gambling and their squalid living conditions , T. J. loves his alcoholic father, ex-heavyweight boxing champion . His son calls him Champ and he tells his friends about his father's comeback , which never seems to happen . Flynn was badly wounded in his last bout , his only loss , and fear prevents him from going back into the ring . When Bill loses the horse gambling and winds up in jail after a drunken tirade, he realizes T. J's place is with his mother (Faye Dunaway) . T. J tearfully goes but sneaks out and returns at his first opportunity , filling a depressed Bill with a desire to make good. So Bill goes into training after his managers arrange a boxing match with a world champion. The knockout picture of the year! . The More You Love, The Harder You Fight !. Loved this boy of his more than anything else in the world-but knew that the best thing he could do for him was to go out of his life forever...A world of pathos and cheer in a picture you will never forget. Here's The Picture We're Proud to Recommend To You - Words Can Not Describe It! If You've Got a Heart in You...You'll laugh and cry like a child, unashamed! Don't fail to get a ringside seat!
This remake is a first-classs tearjerker about a father and his son who are separated against their will. Dealing with an attractive and poignant love-triangle of all - a father, his son, and the woman who came between them. The main reason for this stunning flick turns out to be Ricky Schroder. This little actor projects joy , sensibility , wisdom , fear , and innocence equally well . The fabulous trio protagonist : John Voight , Ricky Schroder , Faye Dunaway are stunningly accompanied by a very good support cast , such as : Jack Warden , Arthur Hill ,Strother Martin , Joan Blondell , Elisha Cook Jr. , Joe Tornatore, Dana Elcar, Randall 'Tex' Cobb , among others . This is a pretty good film , though it results to be a simple remake to superior The Champ 1931 by King Vidor with Wallace Beery who won Oscar-winning title role as Andy 'Champ' Purcell , Jackie Cooper and Irene Rich .
It contains exquisite cinematography by magnificent cameraman Fred J. Koenekamp . Unforgettable and hauntingly wonderful musical score by Dave Grusin. The motion picture was well directed by Franco Zeffirelli. Notorious Italian writer/director Franco Zeffirelli manages to make even the hokiest bits of hokum work in this four-hankie feast of sentimentality .He was a production designer and director, known for The taming of shrew (1967), Romeo and Juliet (1968), La Traviata (1982) , Champion , Jane Eyre , Endless Love , Hamlet , Otello , Turandot , Sparrow , Callas Forever and the TV series Jesus of Nazareth . Received a Special 1962 Tony Award "for designs and direction of the Old Vic's 'Romeo and Juliet'." The following year, in 1963, he was nominated for Broadway's Tony Award as Best Scenic Designer for "The Lady of the Camellias." Being one of eight Italians to have been nominated for the Academy Award for 'Best Director'. Rating : 7/10. Worthwhile watching , better than average .
This remake is a first-classs tearjerker about a father and his son who are separated against their will. Dealing with an attractive and poignant love-triangle of all - a father, his son, and the woman who came between them. The main reason for this stunning flick turns out to be Ricky Schroder. This little actor projects joy , sensibility , wisdom , fear , and innocence equally well . The fabulous trio protagonist : John Voight , Ricky Schroder , Faye Dunaway are stunningly accompanied by a very good support cast , such as : Jack Warden , Arthur Hill ,Strother Martin , Joan Blondell , Elisha Cook Jr. , Joe Tornatore, Dana Elcar, Randall 'Tex' Cobb , among others . This is a pretty good film , though it results to be a simple remake to superior The Champ 1931 by King Vidor with Wallace Beery who won Oscar-winning title role as Andy 'Champ' Purcell , Jackie Cooper and Irene Rich .
It contains exquisite cinematography by magnificent cameraman Fred J. Koenekamp . Unforgettable and hauntingly wonderful musical score by Dave Grusin. The motion picture was well directed by Franco Zeffirelli. Notorious Italian writer/director Franco Zeffirelli manages to make even the hokiest bits of hokum work in this four-hankie feast of sentimentality .He was a production designer and director, known for The taming of shrew (1967), Romeo and Juliet (1968), La Traviata (1982) , Champion , Jane Eyre , Endless Love , Hamlet , Otello , Turandot , Sparrow , Callas Forever and the TV series Jesus of Nazareth . Received a Special 1962 Tony Award "for designs and direction of the Old Vic's 'Romeo and Juliet'." The following year, in 1963, he was nominated for Broadway's Tony Award as Best Scenic Designer for "The Lady of the Camellias." Being one of eight Italians to have been nominated for the Academy Award for 'Best Director'. Rating : 7/10. Worthwhile watching , better than average .
Probably the most underrated tearjerker of all time.
jackaius3 January 2023
Whilst Rocky is most revered in boxing cinema, at its core that movie is loved more as a drama than it is an action-sports flick. The passive, nuanced moments of Rocky reveal a deeper story and one which undoubtedly contends a boxer's life is infinitely more about what is happening to him outside of the ring than within those short 12 rounds, inside it.
Nowhere is this truer than in 1979's The Champ, a close second to Rocky in the boxing-drama category made possible by an exhibit of impeccable casting.
Jon Voight and Ricky Schroder are perfect in their respective roles of Billy Flynn and his young son, TJ. The contrast between Billy - the brash and reckless, rough-around-the-edge yet altruistic, kind-at-heart father and TJ - his, innocent, dedicated and beautifully animated son, brings more life to the story and renders both on and off-screen moments between the two characters all the more heart-rendering. In spite of the fact that the ending of the film is notably its most memorable moment, this is not where the meat of the story lies. There is, for example, some incredible acting and direction in the preceding acts which deliver some truly convincing encounters between the lead characters and which, crucially, give all the more credence to the finale. In particular, a heartedly conversation which takes place in the second act between Billy and Annie (Faye Dunaway) is especially powerful. Put simply, all leading roles give electric performances.
It can't be overstated that where the film truly shines, though, is in then child actor Ricky Schroder, who not only gives one of the most compelling child acting performances of all time, but is without question the heart and soul of the picture. This is demonstrably true in a number of highly-engaging set pieces which showcase the enchanting father-son kinship between Billy and TJ. But nowhere is this more the case than in the climatic scene, wherein Schroder is so pivotal to the experience that the weight of the event is almost forgettable in the absence of his riveting performance. This is truly one of the all time great, award-worthy child-acting achievements.
The Champ is a nice-looking picture. Cinematography feels natural and pleasant. There is also some notable camera work including a fair few impressive wide and steady long-distance shots which bring the film a fair visual presence and personality of its own. The film is skilfully edited, with never a lifeless or tedious moment. We are instead captivated by a number of exceptionally moving, adequately flowing and dramatic sequences.
Music is nothing iconic but adequate and serves more as a quietly touching thematic background for the important scenes. Nonetheless, nothing too over the top is ever needed, owing to such strong acting displays.
Judging by the IMDb rating alone, this piece of cinema feels like a lost gem - why The Champ is not remembered as one of, if not the, greatest tearjerkers and best overlooked dramas of cinema history is a terrible shame and discredits a magnificent work.
Case in point - as of this review there is still no Blu-ray release - what a great misfortune!
Nowhere is this truer than in 1979's The Champ, a close second to Rocky in the boxing-drama category made possible by an exhibit of impeccable casting.
Jon Voight and Ricky Schroder are perfect in their respective roles of Billy Flynn and his young son, TJ. The contrast between Billy - the brash and reckless, rough-around-the-edge yet altruistic, kind-at-heart father and TJ - his, innocent, dedicated and beautifully animated son, brings more life to the story and renders both on and off-screen moments between the two characters all the more heart-rendering. In spite of the fact that the ending of the film is notably its most memorable moment, this is not where the meat of the story lies. There is, for example, some incredible acting and direction in the preceding acts which deliver some truly convincing encounters between the lead characters and which, crucially, give all the more credence to the finale. In particular, a heartedly conversation which takes place in the second act between Billy and Annie (Faye Dunaway) is especially powerful. Put simply, all leading roles give electric performances.
It can't be overstated that where the film truly shines, though, is in then child actor Ricky Schroder, who not only gives one of the most compelling child acting performances of all time, but is without question the heart and soul of the picture. This is demonstrably true in a number of highly-engaging set pieces which showcase the enchanting father-son kinship between Billy and TJ. But nowhere is this more the case than in the climatic scene, wherein Schroder is so pivotal to the experience that the weight of the event is almost forgettable in the absence of his riveting performance. This is truly one of the all time great, award-worthy child-acting achievements.
The Champ is a nice-looking picture. Cinematography feels natural and pleasant. There is also some notable camera work including a fair few impressive wide and steady long-distance shots which bring the film a fair visual presence and personality of its own. The film is skilfully edited, with never a lifeless or tedious moment. We are instead captivated by a number of exceptionally moving, adequately flowing and dramatic sequences.
Music is nothing iconic but adequate and serves more as a quietly touching thematic background for the important scenes. Nonetheless, nothing too over the top is ever needed, owing to such strong acting displays.
Judging by the IMDb rating alone, this piece of cinema feels like a lost gem - why The Champ is not remembered as one of, if not the, greatest tearjerkers and best overlooked dramas of cinema history is a terrible shame and discredits a magnificent work.
Case in point - as of this review there is still no Blu-ray release - what a great misfortune!
A true tearjerker, I have never cried so much in a film
traceyames1722 September 2002
This is arguably Jon Voight's finest acting performance with the possible exception of The Odessa File.
Jon Voight plays Billy Flynn an ex boxing champion with Ricky Shroder playing his eight year old son, T.J Flynn. Billy Flynn is now a horse trainer bringing up his son after a divorce some seven years ago when T.J. was just a baby. Billy loves a drink and is addicted to gambling and bringing up his son does have problems.
The problems intensify when his ex-wife, now remarried, appears on the scene to see her son after seven long years. T.J. knows her only as Annie and is played by Faye Dunaway. Annie starts to come between Billy and T.J even though T.J has undying love for his father. As Billy gets further into trouble, his only way of securing a life for his son is to make one last come-back into the boxing ring.
The film is very poignant, emotional and has so many sad sequences. Poor T.J. is constantly in tears and whenever his tears flowed, so did mine. The Champ is a superb movie, a must see, and although over 20 years old, still has a place today. The problems that existed then, still exist today. Booze, gambling, single parentage, divorce and reconciliation. Only the clothing fashions are different.
Jon Voight plays Billy Flynn an ex boxing champion with Ricky Shroder playing his eight year old son, T.J Flynn. Billy Flynn is now a horse trainer bringing up his son after a divorce some seven years ago when T.J. was just a baby. Billy loves a drink and is addicted to gambling and bringing up his son does have problems.
The problems intensify when his ex-wife, now remarried, appears on the scene to see her son after seven long years. T.J. knows her only as Annie and is played by Faye Dunaway. Annie starts to come between Billy and T.J even though T.J has undying love for his father. As Billy gets further into trouble, his only way of securing a life for his son is to make one last come-back into the boxing ring.
The film is very poignant, emotional and has so many sad sequences. Poor T.J. is constantly in tears and whenever his tears flowed, so did mine. The Champ is a superb movie, a must see, and although over 20 years old, still has a place today. The problems that existed then, still exist today. Booze, gambling, single parentage, divorce and reconciliation. Only the clothing fashions are different.
Maybe not masterpiece but poignant father-son story
alaz_izmir12 August 2019
First of all, it does not deserve a harsh criticism from the critics. The movie is not technically perfect but the acting especially from T.J is superb and as a parent, some show their love and affection obscurely than the others but in this story, the bond between father and son is powerful and moving. Whatever the critics say, just avoid them and watch this beautiful movie.
Excellent
The_Core13 July 2002
After seeing this movie again (it's been over 20 years), I can't think of enough positive things to say about it. The honesty of the script tends to overcome any sense of melodrama, and it turns out to be a 10-hanky tearjerker. The acting is great all around as well. I didn't know what I'd think since it's been so long, and was a bit surprised to find this film has lost nothing in the intervening years -- if anything, it views even better than it did when it was released. I'm also a bit surprised to see it so far down on the IMDB ratings chart. Almost too painful to watch at times (maybe that's why).
9/10
9/10
Moving - could definitely see again
ozone19 April 2003
We studied this film at school in the late 80s and I was really taken with it then, especially with the little boy and his estranged mother (the latter played by the lovely Faye Dunnaway). Seeing it now 15 or so years later I was no less enthralled.
Well done but horribly manipulative
preppy-315 September 2008
Details are a little vague (I saw this back in 1979) but here's what I remember: Story about an ex-boxer (Jon Voight) who's bringing up his son (Ricky Schroder) alone when his wife (Fay Dunaway) left them. Then she returns and wants her son back. She's rich now. Voight has to become a boxer again to provide for his kid...but it might kill him.
OK--it's well acted (all three leads are great) and well-done but man is it SYRUPY! The movie is just so cloying and sweet that I started to get annoyed watching it. Also the story is old and has been done many times before. You know how it's going to end. And yeah--I cried at the end but how could you not? This movie went out of its way to wring tears from the audience. I don't mind tearjerkers but this one is so openly trying to make you cry that it gets ridiculous. When a movie starts forcing reactions from its audience that's not good. This gets a 3 only for the actors and a well-done production.
OK--it's well acted (all three leads are great) and well-done but man is it SYRUPY! The movie is just so cloying and sweet that I started to get annoyed watching it. Also the story is old and has been done many times before. You know how it's going to end. And yeah--I cried at the end but how could you not? This movie went out of its way to wring tears from the audience. I don't mind tearjerkers but this one is so openly trying to make you cry that it gets ridiculous. When a movie starts forcing reactions from its audience that's not good. This gets a 3 only for the actors and a well-done production.
One of the most heart-rending films in the history of films
aj7514 July 2002
I first watched this film in 1980 as a five year old with my gran and we managed to distort the credits through our tears and sobbing. I received the video about four years ago, and as a twenty-two year old it had the same effect. Last night, I watched the Champ with my girlfriend and I am happy to say that the years haven't mellowed me and we were both in floods of tears before I switched the film off. I defy anybody who has an emotional bone in their body not to be touched by the story of Billy Flynn, and more importantly TJ. I won't give any of the storyline away as it will make it all the better for watching if you haven't seen it. As for me, I can't wait until the Champ get's it DVD release as I will be first in the queue.
"I want the Champ !"
"I want the Champ !"
The Champ isn't Coming Home
mls418223 April 2023
Okay, I'm the first person who can lose it if I see a child crying. I think this film cured me of that.
Ricky Schroeder was an amazing little actor. I think he did an amazing job. All seven stars are for him.
Voight is adequate. He got this role coming off Coming Home. He is completely upstaged by Schroeder.
This film is probably best watched as punishment for a misbehaving child in an effort to make them cry.
I mainly watched this to see the usually frenetic and crazed Faye Dumaway. She is sedate, subdued and even chubby in this film. Not as sedate as her film next year with Frank Sinatra where she spends the entire film in a hospital bed. Resting up for her career ending Mommie Dearest the next year I presume.
Ricky Schroeder was an amazing little actor. I think he did an amazing job. All seven stars are for him.
Voight is adequate. He got this role coming off Coming Home. He is completely upstaged by Schroeder.
This film is probably best watched as punishment for a misbehaving child in an effort to make them cry.
I mainly watched this to see the usually frenetic and crazed Faye Dumaway. She is sedate, subdued and even chubby in this film. Not as sedate as her film next year with Frank Sinatra where she spends the entire film in a hospital bed. Resting up for her career ending Mommie Dearest the next year I presume.
Stocked with sap...
moonspinner5520 August 2009
Remake of the 1931 chestnut involving an ex-boxer, who now trains horses, coaxed back into the ring and cheered from the sidelines by his adoring pre-teen son and loving ex-wife. Boxing was big business in the late 1970s thanks to "Rocky", but that was no excuse to dust off this sentimental relic. Jon Voight, just off his Best Actor win for "Coming Home", ditches all the nuances he had achieved up to this point; letting his face go slack with confusion and desperation, he doesn't reveal anything hidden within this character, it's all surface falseness--and Voight is too intrinsically smart to be convincing as a self-destructive bum. Voight's dead-end, melodramatic scenes with Faye Dunaway (also miscast) fail to come off, with Dunaway behaving more like a big sister than a former flame. Shameless from beginning to end, the movie shows no subtlety in detailing Billy Flynn's dilemmas or loyalties, and director Franco Zeffirelli mounts each new sequence with the grace of a bricklayer. *1/2 from ****
The Champ is one of the Greatest Films ever
mesamood2 April 2005
The Champ is the most beautiful Father & Son story I have ever seen. The films emotional ending will go down in history as the saddest scene ever on film. Rick Schroder is amazing. A must see!!! Jon Voight is extremely convincing as a retired prize fighter. He also looks like Rick Schroders Father. Faye Dunaway come s off well. The director Zeffereli is a amazing story teller. You may have scene his Mac Beth with Mel Gibson. Rent this when you want to really feel some strong emotion. Rick Schroder was cast to stardom from it. It might just make you call your father and say I love you. More films need to made like this. It seems Hollywood is interested in special effects movies and they have forgotten the heart. On a separate note, Rick Schroder just made his own boxing film called "Black Cloud"it is also amazing and has tons of heart, The boxing scenes in Schroders film are the best I have ever seen. The same boxing coach from the champ worked on Schroders BLACK CLOUD. DVD comes out June 7th for Black Cloud.
Probably the all time best weepie movie
asd2924 February 2019
I have not seen this film for many years , ive not seen the dvd anywhere since i last watched it on tv years ago, the movie is a cross between kramer vs kramer and rocky the acting in this is sensational to say the least especially from a young ricky schroder who is now nearly unheard of , despite schroders fledgling career he is the only actor who has genuinely made me cry his performance in the closing scene is heart wrenching its so realistic its nearly unbearable, i will look out for this film in the future and when i see it again the tears are very likely to fall again .
The Vidiot Reviews...
capone66622 January 2012
The Champ
The best thing about having your kid in your corner during a boxing match is that you can use them as a shield if your opponent is too strong.
And while the father of the boy in this drama would never do anything that horrendous to his son, his mother sure would.
Raised on the road by his father Billy (Jon Voight), a third-rate boxer, T.J. (Ricky Schroder) is caught off-guard when his absentee mother, Annie (Faye Dunaway), reenters their lives.
Re-married, with the means to provide T.J. with a future beyond seedy bouts in broke down honky-tonks, Annie's interference inspires Billy to commence training for his imminent return to the ring.
A candid portrayal of paternal love, The Champ delivers uplifting uppercuts and rousing right-hooks directly to your soft spot.
Besides, boxers make for perfect parents; thanks to their concussions, they're at roughly the same stage of brain development. (Yellow Light)
vidiotreviews.blogspot.com
The best thing about having your kid in your corner during a boxing match is that you can use them as a shield if your opponent is too strong.
And while the father of the boy in this drama would never do anything that horrendous to his son, his mother sure would.
Raised on the road by his father Billy (Jon Voight), a third-rate boxer, T.J. (Ricky Schroder) is caught off-guard when his absentee mother, Annie (Faye Dunaway), reenters their lives.
Re-married, with the means to provide T.J. with a future beyond seedy bouts in broke down honky-tonks, Annie's interference inspires Billy to commence training for his imminent return to the ring.
A candid portrayal of paternal love, The Champ delivers uplifting uppercuts and rousing right-hooks directly to your soft spot.
Besides, boxers make for perfect parents; thanks to their concussions, they're at roughly the same stage of brain development. (Yellow Light)
vidiotreviews.blogspot.com
One of the best I have ever seen! A must for the top 250!
glotgering10 March 2007
I cannot believe the rating this movie is only a 5.8. Have they seen the same movie as I have? I have watched "The Champ" several times and every time I cry even when I know what is going to happen. It is a story of a retired boxer and his son and the love the boy has for his father would be any father's dream. Even though the father has his faults (like we all do) he loves his son and tries to give his son a better life. I was just shocked at the rating and was compelled to vote. Usually the IMDb community gets it right but in this case they are dead wrong. 10 all they way!!! Great! Super! and very emotional. My whole family cried including my dog.
Doesn't Make a Strong Case for a Remake
evanston_dad19 December 2023
I don't know that "The Champ," Franco Zefirelli's remake of the King Vidor film from the 1930s, makes a strong argument that the original needed to be remade. But it does capture a nice performance from Jon Voight and a peek at the talents of child actor Ricky Schroeder before he would become generally known for his part on the T. V. series "Silver Spoons" a few years later.
The film is so manipulative that it almost made me angry. Yes, I shed the requisite tears at the film's finale, but come on -- what human being with blood coursing through their veins wouldn't? It doesn't take good directing to make a scene like that emotionally resonant.
Faye Dunaway shows that her acting talents had limits. When she was cast in a role that required her to be a neurotic mess -- "Bonnie and Clyde," "Network," "Mommie Dearest" -- her style fit perfectly. But when not, she manages to make her character seem like a neurotic mess anyway because of her overwrought histrionics.
Jack Warden plays Jon Voight's manager, because Jack Warden was contractually obligated to play every salty coach in the history of cinema except for the times when Burgess Meredith played them instead.
Grade: B.
The film is so manipulative that it almost made me angry. Yes, I shed the requisite tears at the film's finale, but come on -- what human being with blood coursing through their veins wouldn't? It doesn't take good directing to make a scene like that emotionally resonant.
Faye Dunaway shows that her acting talents had limits. When she was cast in a role that required her to be a neurotic mess -- "Bonnie and Clyde," "Network," "Mommie Dearest" -- her style fit perfectly. But when not, she manages to make her character seem like a neurotic mess anyway because of her overwrought histrionics.
Jack Warden plays Jon Voight's manager, because Jack Warden was contractually obligated to play every salty coach in the history of cinema except for the times when Burgess Meredith played them instead.
Grade: B.
Very disappointed...
Winds_of_Destination13 May 2007
...with the rating of this masterpiece. A 5.8/10? -_- I am upset about this.
What you have here is an epic movie that deserves a 9/10. It's the story of the love between a boy and his father, and the boy trying to make it on his own when his mother and father can't.
The movie starts out very big on horse-racing, showing how Jon Voight, "The Champ", is and gives brief glimpses into his past life. After awhile though, his whole past comes back to him when his son unknowingly meets his mother and develops a bond with her. Conflict between him and his wife rises and we see even deeper into what was a merely a shell of his life in the beginning of the film; he is complicated and emotionally bruised man, snapping sometimes at his son that he loves with all his heart.
The film has the most believable performances I have ever seen on screen, and is a tearjerker. But it doesn't try to make you cry once; the entire second half of the film is full of these scenes. Some work while others don't. Either way, it shows the true power and delicacy of unconditional love, and the way it ends leaves you gasping for breath because of the emotional impact it leaves. Not perfect, but it deserves a solid 9.0/10.
What you have here is an epic movie that deserves a 9/10. It's the story of the love between a boy and his father, and the boy trying to make it on his own when his mother and father can't.
The movie starts out very big on horse-racing, showing how Jon Voight, "The Champ", is and gives brief glimpses into his past life. After awhile though, his whole past comes back to him when his son unknowingly meets his mother and develops a bond with her. Conflict between him and his wife rises and we see even deeper into what was a merely a shell of his life in the beginning of the film; he is complicated and emotionally bruised man, snapping sometimes at his son that he loves with all his heart.
The film has the most believable performances I have ever seen on screen, and is a tearjerker. But it doesn't try to make you cry once; the entire second half of the film is full of these scenes. Some work while others don't. Either way, it shows the true power and delicacy of unconditional love, and the way it ends leaves you gasping for breath because of the emotional impact it leaves. Not perfect, but it deserves a solid 9.0/10.
Zeffirelli's remake of pre-code classic
guisreis8 February 2021
A remake by Franco Zeffirelli of King Vidor's Academy Awards winner movie from five decades before. It is not touching as some fans say (or perhaps it is just in its very end), differently from Shakespearean works by Zeffirelly. Cheesy music did not contribute to a better outcome. However, pastel shade cinematography is quite attractive, as good as black and white pre-code classic. Both versions have their achievements and none is clearly the best of them. Wallace Beery was more convincing in the 1931 classic than was Jon Voight in the role of the former boxing world champ and now alcoholic gambler but beloved father. I like that rough working-class mood which is absent in the remake. The boy, on the other hand, while with a striking ressamblance in both movies, was deeper and more moving in the 1979 film, skilfully portrayed by Ricky Schroder (in comparison to Jackie Cooper, both nine years old). Faye Dunaway obviously has a much stronger presence than Irene Rich, and the horse race was very well shot. The crowded fight against real boxer Randall "Tex" Cobb was worth being hightlighted and easily overcomes clumsy 1931 brawl.
The Champ is One-Dimensional
estebangonzalez1017 August 2010
¨We did some silly things. Who knows why people do what they do? Nobody knows that, but she's... she's a good person.¨ The Champ has divided audiences over the world; there are those who consider this to be a masterpiece and others who believe it's just a terrible movie that tries too hard to be a tearjerker. I wouldn't agree with either statement, the movie isn't a masterpiece, but it isn't terrible either. It has it's touching moments with a good performance from Jon Voight as the lead actor. I did have some issues with the child actor, Rick Schroder, but it had more to do with the material he had to work with than anything else. The producers tried too hard in making him look so cute that his character lost credibility. This 1979 film, directed by Franco Zeffirelli, is actually a remake of a 1931 movie of the same name directed by King Vidor and written by Frances Marion. So remakes have been a part of Hollywood for years now, it's not something new like many people might think. The screenplay for this film was adapted by Walter Newman and in my opinion it is the weakest part of the movie. The script doesn't feel real, it is overly dramatic and I just couldn't make sense of several scenes. For example, there is one scene where Voight's character abandons his son in a boxing gym to grab some drinks in a bar. The kid ends up alone trying to figure out where his father went and deduces he is probably at a nearby bar. I know there might be some parents that would do this, but I doubt they could have raised their child as well as Schroder's character seems to have been raised. His love and passion for his father, the champ, is hard to believe because he seems so selfish and cruel at times.
The story takes place in Hialeah where Billy Flynn (Jon Voight), a former boxing champ now in his late thirty's, is working as a race horse trainer. He lives with his seven year old son, T.J. (Rick Schroder), who absolutely worships his father and calls him the champ. Billy raises his son on his own since his mother abandoned them when T.J. was born, although he has told his son that she passed away. T.J. seems to be more mature then his father and is always cleaning after his mess. Billy dreams of making a comeback in boxing, but he suffered a head injury that made him abandon the sport. He also is a compulsive gambler and alcoholic. One day he even steals money from his son's allowance in order to gamble. This time however, Billy wins a lot of money and decides to buy his son a race horse after feeling guilty for what he did. T.J. names his horse "She's A Lady" and takes her to the race tracks where he meets a lovely woman named Annie (Faye Dunaway). When Annie runs into Billy she realizes that T.J. is the son she has abandoned and now wants to make up for what she has done. Annie is a successful designer who is married to a wealthy doctor. At first Billy doesn't want anything to do with her and insists in not letting his son know she's alive, but due to his gambling problems he will be forced to. The only solution Billy can think of in order to give his son a better future is returning to what he does best: boxing.
The Champ relies too heavily on the dramatic effect and that is what ends up hurting the movie because many scenes seem to fit the screenplay for the convenience of the movie and it just doesn't feel real. There are some strong scenes, which I agree were well acted like the prison scene or the final scene, but there were others that felt phony and overacted, like the scene where T.J. screams at Annie in the boat. My biggest disappointment was that I felt T.J. to be a one dimensional character. He was there to make the movie look cute and make the audience sympathize with him. Billy, on the other hand, was a character we sometimes despised and at others loved and identified with. Audiences that enjoy heartfelt films and tearjerkers will probably love this movie, but audiences who are searching for more character depth will probably be disappointed with it. I had a hard time with the beginning of the film, and found the last half of the movie more entertaining, but it is far from being the masterpiece some people claim it to be.
http://estebueno10.blogspot.com/
The story takes place in Hialeah where Billy Flynn (Jon Voight), a former boxing champ now in his late thirty's, is working as a race horse trainer. He lives with his seven year old son, T.J. (Rick Schroder), who absolutely worships his father and calls him the champ. Billy raises his son on his own since his mother abandoned them when T.J. was born, although he has told his son that she passed away. T.J. seems to be more mature then his father and is always cleaning after his mess. Billy dreams of making a comeback in boxing, but he suffered a head injury that made him abandon the sport. He also is a compulsive gambler and alcoholic. One day he even steals money from his son's allowance in order to gamble. This time however, Billy wins a lot of money and decides to buy his son a race horse after feeling guilty for what he did. T.J. names his horse "She's A Lady" and takes her to the race tracks where he meets a lovely woman named Annie (Faye Dunaway). When Annie runs into Billy she realizes that T.J. is the son she has abandoned and now wants to make up for what she has done. Annie is a successful designer who is married to a wealthy doctor. At first Billy doesn't want anything to do with her and insists in not letting his son know she's alive, but due to his gambling problems he will be forced to. The only solution Billy can think of in order to give his son a better future is returning to what he does best: boxing.
The Champ relies too heavily on the dramatic effect and that is what ends up hurting the movie because many scenes seem to fit the screenplay for the convenience of the movie and it just doesn't feel real. There are some strong scenes, which I agree were well acted like the prison scene or the final scene, but there were others that felt phony and overacted, like the scene where T.J. screams at Annie in the boat. My biggest disappointment was that I felt T.J. to be a one dimensional character. He was there to make the movie look cute and make the audience sympathize with him. Billy, on the other hand, was a character we sometimes despised and at others loved and identified with. Audiences that enjoy heartfelt films and tearjerkers will probably love this movie, but audiences who are searching for more character depth will probably be disappointed with it. I had a hard time with the beginning of the film, and found the last half of the movie more entertaining, but it is far from being the masterpiece some people claim it to be.
http://estebueno10.blogspot.com/
an emotional masterpiece
sinnerofcinema22 October 2004
Unlike many of the critics who saw this movie and hated it, obviously these so called "film critics" must be jaded wanna be filmmakers who never made it, and have not truly found the meaning of film-making to date. Sorry for them. This motion picture is what makes cinema so great. It is the extremely emotional content and story, not the mere technicalities or flaws that makes this movie great. I saw this film 25 years ago and I remember a theaters completely in tears. I saw this movie again just recently on HBO and as hard as you tried, it was impossible to hold back tears, specially at the end. I don't know who these movie critics are nor where they come from, but they certainly have much to learn from this film.
Saw this 40 years later, BUT!...
eplain-219 September 2022
Not an award winner. Clearly they tried to make it so but the acting fell short just a bit all the way around. Ricky was the only one that went Over the Top but it was OK, just missed a little.
By the way, this is NOT John's "finest performance". I'll take him in "Coming Home" over this any day.
Also, I did not know this was a remake when I was watching it, i JUST found out here today. Now I must watch the original, which are always better.
I love John and all he does, Strother Martin never fails to get it done right, nor does Jack Warden, EXCELLENT actors. This was a tad long but i was glued the whole time, regardless of its short-comings in MY mind.
By the way, this is NOT John's "finest performance". I'll take him in "Coming Home" over this any day.
Also, I did not know this was a remake when I was watching it, i JUST found out here today. Now I must watch the original, which are always better.
I love John and all he does, Strother Martin never fails to get it done right, nor does Jack Warden, EXCELLENT actors. This was a tad long but i was glued the whole time, regardless of its short-comings in MY mind.
overwhelmed by the melodrama
SnoopyStyle24 January 2021
Former boxing champ Billy Flynn (Jon Voight) is trying to be a horse trainer with adoring son T.J. (Ricky Schroder). Billy's ex-wife Annie (Faye Dunaway) comes back into T.J.'s life with a rich new husband despite Billy's objection. Billy had told T.J. that his mother was dead.
This seems to be a jumbo of a couple of great movies. It has a bit of Rocky, a bit of Paper Moon, and a few others. It's definitely throwing a lot including the kitchen sink at this. In the end, the movie gets overwhelmed by the amount and the nature of the melodrama. It looks like everybody is playing to the cheap seats at the back of the colosseum. I can see where Dunaway is going with her character and I can forgive Schroder for his age. He's told to go over the top and that's what he does. Jon Voight just needs to pull it back a few notches. Somebody has to. In the end, it's director Franco Zeffirelli's movie, for better and for worst.
This seems to be a jumbo of a couple of great movies. It has a bit of Rocky, a bit of Paper Moon, and a few others. It's definitely throwing a lot including the kitchen sink at this. In the end, the movie gets overwhelmed by the amount and the nature of the melodrama. It looks like everybody is playing to the cheap seats at the back of the colosseum. I can see where Dunaway is going with her character and I can forgive Schroder for his age. He's told to go over the top and that's what he does. Jon Voight just needs to pull it back a few notches. Somebody has to. In the end, it's director Franco Zeffirelli's movie, for better and for worst.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
