Southpaw (2015) User Reviews

Jake Gyllenhaal's performance is a southpaw that goes straight to the heart

[JoaoPovoaMarinheiro · 8/10 · 3 October 2015]

We can always criticize Hollywood for bringing movies that are intended to toss some smoke to the viewer by presenting something new with repeated formulas and recycled plots we have seen somewhere else before. The same goes for "Southpaw"... apart from the fact that there's something more lying inside this story about a boxer's redemption. The answer to it is the trust it puts into the strength of its actors and the gripping emotions that come with it.

There's a little sparkle that starts to light up inside of us during the very first minutes of the movie. And even if we barely have the time to see Gyllenhaal and McAdams' characters, we didn't need more because we were instantly dragged towards an emotional charge that never abandons the plot and whose "legacy" is carried on the main actor's shoulders.

Gyllenhaal doesn't skip a beat and keeps his character's pain and rage constantly vivid in every detail - we feel it because we've somewhat experienced in our lives what it means to lose someone we love and feel lost afterward. We felt the struggle coming after the loss of a bond as strong as that one. That's why his performance is relentless and immaculate.

Truth is that the genuine side of "Southpaw"'s plot is based on the main character's fall and his irreproachable route to stand up again, reach the top once more. Only this time, the fight has completely changed and the goals are different, goals that make us question what we really fight for in our life.

You already know this story but not told under these terms. Hollywood has crafted good flicks about fighters/boxers in the last few years and "Southpaw" follows a line that is close to the more recent "Warrior", starring Joel Edgerton and Tom Hardy due to its "underdog" screenplay. What makes this movie different from the rest is the ineluctable emotion that never departs and befalls us, stirring and stirring our inner feelings.

We don't always need to criticize a movie for its predictability. "Southpaw" is predictable but it's also honest in assuming itself as such because its purpose - and I believe, Antoine Fuqua's purpose - is to divert our attention towards something more meaningful. And when a movie pierces the bone to reach our heart and soul with this impact, then it deserves our respect and acknowledgment.

"Southpaw" is, quite simply, liberating.

Jake Gyllenhaal deserves at least a nomination

[jespor · 8/10 · 31 May 2019]

Wow. This is actually an incredible movie in which Gyllenhaal delivers an Oscar worthy performance.

It's kind of an emotional rollercoaster which gives you the best of the two different worlds in boxing and drama. A comeback story at its finest. The father-daughter relationship gets me the most.

I've seen this movie more times than I can count and it still amazes me that Jake Gyllenhaal didn't even got nominated for this one - he is outstanding!

Jake Lands Another Haymaker in Southpaw

[jaysanchu07 · 7/10 · 6 March 2022]

Jake Gyllenhaal once again proves that he is a legend, a one of a kind actor. Yes, Southpaw's redemption driven storyline is one we've seen before, but through Jake's acting range alone, the film levels up to its own tier. The emotional notes of the film was well received even in scenes that rely on expressions, over script. I for one, was invested in the tragedy and inspired by our hero's resurgence. Props as well to Forest Whitaker who plays philanthropist, coach and saving grace. It was a role crafted for him and there was no fault in his delivery, a refreshing statement considering his recent films. Carried by performances from our two leads (and some technically sound boxing!), Southpaw is a worthy sports drama and a shoe in as one of the hidden gems of 2015.

Gyllenhaal the Great

[3xHCCH · 8/10 · 23 July 2015]

Billy Hope is the light heavyweight champion of the world with a 43-0 record. One day, as a result of his uncontrollable violent temper, tragedy after tragedy hits him and his family until he is left with nothing -- not his fortune, not his career, not his family. Despondent and desperate to get his life back, Billy swallows his pride and seeks the assistance of trainer Tick Wills to train him back to fighting form.

"Southpaw" is an acting showcase for its lead actor Jake Gyllenhaal. Last year in the film "Nightcrawler", Gyllenhaal gave us all the creeps with his very realistic portrayal of sociopathic pseudo-video journalist Louis Bloom. He was overlooked at the Oscars of the Best Actor nomination he clearly deserved. With this meaty role, Gyllenhaal set out to prove that that his transformative performance last year was not a fluke at all.

His performance here as Billy Hope is another triumph of his very serious and committed method acting style. Here, Gyllenhaal again undergoes a total physical transformation into a grizzled prizefighter with a buff hardened physique, scarred face and swollen eye. We feel every ache of his weary body as he shuffles in his gait. His speech is already slurred with probable nerve damage. We see and sense the ravages of his vicious sport on him.

He captured the character of an impulsive man who was not too savvy in life, and easily driven to violently angry tendencies. As Billy's world collapses around him, Gyllenhaal brings us all down to his hell with him. We totally see the unraveling of a man until a mere shadow of him remained. Then we would witness how he humbles himself as he tries to bring the shattered pieces of his life back together again. This was in addition to all the pounding he had in the boxing ring itself. This was truly an acting tour de force by Gyllenhaal which simply cannot be ignored.

The actors in supporting roles all share in Gyllenhaal's shine. Despite her name being so prominent in the poster, Rachel McAdams appeared on screen only for a very short time. In that limited time, we clearly see the effect of her strong character Maureen on her husband Billy. Bespectacled little Oona Laurence plays their spirited daughter Leila. Gyllenhaal and Laurence share some pretty intensely emotional scenes together.

Forest Whitaker plays Tick Wills, the tough disciplinarian of a trainer whom Billy chose to bring him back on track. I thought it was clever how they even include Whitaker's left eye into the story. Curtis "50 Cent" Smith plays Billy's fair-weather manager Jordan Mains. He really has this sleazy vibe about him with his flashy smile and shiny suits.

Director Antoine Fuqua effectively wrung all the right emotions out of this story. The storytelling is well-paced and the camera work is compelling. The fight scenes were well-choreographed and executed on screen -- very brutal, bloody, all with high tension. The first person point of view during the fights puts you right in the midst of all the action.

The musical score contributes so much to the drama of this film. This is also the last film James Horner scored before his untimely demise in a plane crash recently. We also hear Eminem rap in the soundtrack. It is interesting to note that Eminem was actually the original choice to play Billy Hope.

Boxing is a common sport tackled in movies because of its inherent drama. "Rocky", "Raging Bull", "Million Dollar Baby" and "The Fighter" easily come to mind as among the best of them ever made. This is why we may feel we have seen this story In "Southpaw" told in another way before. However, the grippingly honest acting of Jake Gyllenhaal definitely set this film apart from others. He made "Southpaw" a most extraordinary boxing film to watch. 8/10.

Haven't I seen this one before?

[BlackLemonTea · 6/10 · 10 September 2015]

Southpaw is a movie about the successful boxing champion Billy Hope (Jake Gyllenhaal) whose life begins to fall apart because he cannot control his high temper.

To begin with, the story line is simple and not very original. The protagonist who has everything suddenly loses everything and needs to find a new way to win it all back. Haven't I seen this before? And I'm not even talking about movies in general. Actually, one can find boxing movies with a very similar story (for instance Rocky II or Raging Bull).

The characters depth is nothing near to the ones we see in "Raging Bull" or "Warrior" (movies in which motivations and reasons of characters are more complex and interesting). In Southpaw, the characters lack depth, thus they become a tad boring. Personally, I felt like flat character design was one of the main issues of this movie. Furthermore, you always felt like someone already told this story in a much better way. Why should I waste my time to watch a poor remake? Naturally, this sounds harsh and may be a little exaggerated, but I honestly believe this is the major aspect of the movie that annoyed me – unoriginality and the incorporation of many clichés.

I would still recommend you this movie, only because of two people: Jake Gyllenhaal and Forest Whitaker. These two tremendous actors made this movie not a total waste of time. As aforementioned, Gyllenhaal plays in the lead, portraying the struggling fighter Billy Hope. It is a stupendous performance from a brilliant actor. Although the character is partly despicable and should be hated, one does still feel for him. That is the work of a master in his craft. Academy Award winner Whitaker plays Tick Wills, an older gym owner who later becomes Billy's mentor and new coach after his demise. The relation between those two characters is the best one in the whole movie. What happens when chaos and fury meet experience and discipline? These two spectacular actors were the absolute highlight of the movie, which makes it a bit frustrating to see so less of them on screen. The filmmakers rather concentrated on Billy's relation with his daughter than on the one I found deeply entertaining.

This leads to my other point. I found that the role of Oona Laurence was a miscast. She plays the daughter of Billy and is devastated after a certain incident. Things between her and Billy do not work quite well (I can just recall, "Haven't I seen this before?") The only scene of this side story that touched me was when Billy got slapped in the face by his own daughter. That's it, nothing more. Moreover, I did not like Laurence in the movie. No offense, but she was not very convincing and rather annoying.

On the other hand, I thought that the rest of the cast delivered. Rachel McAdams and even 50cent impressed me – gorgeous casting.

All in all, the movie was nothing exceptional or anything to remember. I think "average" sums it up pretty well. Southpaw did not quite live up to my high expectations, although having some great actors on board. What you see was nothing original or mind-blowing, it felt like a bad "Raging Bull" spin off. I can still recommend the movie to people who love sport movies in general and want to see some great acting. Otherwise, leave it and don't watch it. 6/10

Jake Gyllenhaal, once again, takes a risk.

[planktonrules · 9/10 · 24 September 2021]

Jake Gyllenhaal is an incredible actor and I don't think there's another actor today who takes the risks and plays the wide variety of roles that he plays. And, in "Southpaw", he once again REALLY stretches his acting skills and he turns in an amazing performance.

When the story begins, Billy Hope (Gyllenhaal) is on top of the boxing world. He's the light heavyweight champion of the world and has a lovely wife and daughter and all the trappings that go with it. However, when his wife is killed, Billy shows who he really is....an immature punk who has little self-control. Soon, he's drinking, drugging and destroying himself....with no regard for his poor daughter. As a consequence, he soon loses everything....his home, his fortune, his daughter and his self-respect. The rest of the story is about Billy's quest to redeem himself and regain custody of his daughter.

There are three amazing performances in this film....which is why I rated this one so high. Gyllenhaal is excellent and makes you really hate him through much of the film....that took a risk. It also is REALLY amazing seeing how he transformed himself into a credible looking boxer...and it's obvious he worked himself to death to look so cut and believable. You just have to see it to believe it. Forest Whitaker is also amazing in the movie....which I really expected from this Oscar-winner. He is terrific and is a very strong supporting actor. But the one that also surprised me was young Oona Laurence who played the daughter, Leila. She really was a fine young actress and it really helped that the writer got this character right. The child COULD have been a passive, crying victim in all this. But like some kids who have been through hellish family problems, she is angry and deservedly so. As a trained therapist and social worker, it was nice to see her behaving this way...it felt real.

Overall, an excellent film due to some lovely acting and writing. My only complaint is the music...which was generally great but I hated the rap portion. But, I am a 57 year-old guy and not the target audience...so I don't think it's a mistake...I'm just an old grouch!

An emotional movie with some real boxing scenes. 7/10

[leonblackwood · 7/10 · 3 December 2015]

Review: I quite enjoyed this emotional movie and I definitely think that Jake Gyllenhaal should be up for an Oscar for his amazing transformation. The storyline did seem to drag after a while but I couldn't wait for the big showdown at the end. Anyway, Billy Hope (Jake Gyllenhaal) seems to have it all, with his big mansion, beautiful wife and loving daughter, and when the lightweight boxer wins all of the championship belts, life really can't get any better for this man who struggled through his childhood. He then gets invited to a charity event were he gives a speech about his life and his love for his wife, Maureen Hope (Rachel McAdams) but his whole life changes when a gun is fired during a punch up with his arch-rival, Miguel "Magic" Escobar (Miguel Gomez). The shot, mistakingly hits his wife, who dies on the spot, which leaves a distraught Billy Hope, to bring up his daughter Leila Hope (Oona Laurence). Whilst trying to defend his title, he basically gives up fighting against his opponent and he ends up head-butting the referee out of shear frustration. Now that he's lost his title, it defaults a 3 fight deal that he has with a television company and he's being sued for the head-butting incident. With his debts piling up and his boxing career in tatters, he turns to drink and drugs for comfort and the depression from losing his wife, starts to take its toll. He then ends up in hospital after crashing his car into a tree, so the child protection agency are brought in, because they found drink and drugs in his body while he was driving. A judge decides to put Leila into care while Billy sorts his life out, so he sells his house to clear up his debts and he gets a job in a gym, which he also uses to train. After much persuasion, he manages to get the gym owner, Tick Wills (Forest Whitaker) to train him in his own unique way, which will improve his boxing skills but his daughter refuses to see him because she blames him for being in care. He then gets a chance to box in a charity bash, we're he shows of his new boxing style and impresses his old manager, Jordan Mains (50 Cent), who is now managing Escobar. He offers him a chance to return to the big league by challenging Escobar to a championship bout but he only has 6 weeks to train and to get in shape. As he desperately needs the money to get his daughter back, he goes through some gruesome training with Tick and he manages to build a relationship with his daughter again. With his new trainer by his side and his daughter back in his life, he uses every muscle in his body to fight against the man who was involved in the murder of his wife. I really enjoyed the intensity during boxing fights and the emotional scenes with his daughter. Jakes anger issues were performed extremely well and the love that he had for his wife was really sweet, just like Rocky with Adrian but I did find it a bit predictable. Personally, I'm surprised that they didn't pick 50 Cent to play the boxer because of his physique and hard man mentality! Anyway, I enjoyed this movie and the hero to zero to hero again, concept was well put together by the director. Enjoyable!

Round-Up: Although the critics had great things to say about this film, when it was released, it's still not the type of film that you can watch time and time again like the early Rocky movies. Its not that it isn't a quality film, it's just that it's not a feel good movie were you start punching the air when you come out of the cinema. The personal issues that Jake's character is going through are extremely deep and you do have to be in the right mood to watch it. With that aside, the performances are top class from the whole cast, especially Jake Gyllenhaal, 34, who really hit the mainstream in 2001, when he starred in Donnie Darko. Since then, he has covered many genres in movies like the big budget The Day After Tomorrow, Jarhead, Brokeback Mountain, Rendition, Zodiac, Brothers, Prince of Persia, Love & Other Drugs, Source Code, the brilliant End of Watch, Prisoners, Enemy and Nightcrawlers. With Everest and Demolition due to be released soon and 5 movies in the pipeline which includes the Current War with Benedict Cumberbatch and Okja with Bill Nighy and Tilda Swinton, he really has proved that he can completely transform his acting style, like he did in this film and in End of Watch. Anyway, this movie was directed by Antoine Fuqua, 49, who has quite a impressive portfolio to date. Titles to his name include, the Replacement Killers, Bait with Jamie Foxx, Training Day, Tears of the Sun with Bruce Willis, King Arthur with Clive Owen and Kiera Knightley, Shooter with Mark Wahlberg, Brooklyn's Finest, Olympus Must Fall and the Equalizer. Judging by his previous movies, it's not surprising how committed Antoine was, to this project and I must admit, the boxing scenes did seem extremely real. He also got the best out of Gyllenhaal, so I have to give him props for making a memorable film which touched many emotional heart strings.

Budget: $30million Worldwide Gross: $91million

I recommend this movie to people who are into their action/drama/sports movies starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams, Forest Whitaker, 50 Cent and Naomie Harris. 7/10

This movie changed my life

[hr-shabannejad · 10/10 · 4 August 2018]

I love jake gyllenhaal This movie changed my life After watching this movie i left and leave smock and start exercising and box and after 3 year I transferred to a strong man. I love you jake i love you southpaw

A Rollercoaster of Emotions

[Jackblyth8 · 7/10 · 4 March 2023]

The heartbreaking tale of a professional boxer struggling to balance riches and fame with compassion and love. Though, a drive inside, powers a determined outlook to achieve a mighty comeback.

Boxer Billy Hope hits rock-bottom after losing his family and falls into depression. His encounter with a former boxer gives him hope to stand up once again.

'Southpaw' strives to capture the highest highs as well as the lowest lows of life. Jake Gyllenhaal shines in his lead role, encapsulating all the emotions from desperation and frustration, to pure joy and elation. The sports film ensures a level of authenticity is maintained throughout, though it is the scenes portrayed outside the ring that are arguably most potent.

Antoine Fuqua very much mirrors the pace and intensity of a boxing match. One criticism of the spectacle is that it never comes up for breath, it's constant throughout, making for an extreme 120 minutes. The changing of events are too sudden, while the lack of light-heartedness means a lack of tonic for the heavy thriller.

Performances across the board are sensational. Gyllenhaal and Rachel McAdams are standout, with Forest Whittaker's supporting role providing the perfect blend of personalities for the drama unfolding on-screen.

A true rollercoaster of emotions that conveys what is truly important - family and love. Highlighting traits of determination, belief and resilience as the core of not only sport, but life itself.

For many, the film may seem exaggerated and extreme. However, its good intentions and detail of writing and illustrating the sporting world, makes 'Southpaw' enjoyable viewing.

Southpaw: The Next Generation's Rocky!!

[phate008 · 9/10 · 8 July 2015]

I was lucky enough to catch an advance screening of this movie, and I was extremely glad I did. After watching the previews I felt as though a lot of the movie was given away, but I was blown away by the performances on screen. The movie was centered around a champion prize fighter hitting rock bottom, and slowly climbing his way back into the ring. It was an emotional journey that cannot simply be categorized as a movie about boxing, but rather, an inspiring and riveting tale of parenthood and a father's love for his daughter. The cast was excellent and everyone excelled in their roles. I wouldn't have expected to like Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson in a role as much as I did. Jake Gyllenhaal and Forest Whitaker had Oscar worthy performances. Everyone did a great job with their roles. The cinematography was fantastic, and the fight scenes gave some great first person shots that made you feel as though you were there in the ring fighting along side the actors. Overall, this movie is an experience that is not to be missed. 9/10

Formula Fight Film with Two Show Stealing Performances

[LeonLouisRicci · 7/10 · 4 December 2015]

Jake Gyllenhaal Takes a Page From the Playbook of Christian Bale, Robert De Niro, and Some Other Method Actors and Transforms to a Physical Presence that Cannot Be Ignored. He is Hardly Recognizable Behind a Pummelled Face, Ripped Abs, a Lazy Tongue, and Featuring a Drooping Demeanor Befitting His Fall From Champ to Chump.

Director Fuqua Makes Entertaining Movies and Here the Attraction, Beyond the Ring Heroics, is the Comeback to Reality to Fight for His Daughter's Custody.

The Child Actress Oona Laurence, in a Captivating Performance, as the Daughter, is the Heart and Soul of the Movie and an Obvious Inspiration for What is a Riches to Rags to Redemption Story.

It's Standard for This Type of Thing and This is Fairly Standard but it's a Tried and True Formula and When it's Done With Talent and Flare it Works and This One Works Just Fine. It Evokes Adrenaline and Tears and That's its Reason for Being.

A Supporting Cast of Good Actors (Curtis Jackson notwithstanding, but thankfully He is not allowed to mumble as much here) Help Make This a Stylish, if Subdued Sports Flick with a Predictable Panache and Dual Dad-Daughter Performances that Make it Well Worth a Watch for Anyone but the Most Cynical.

You have seen this movie before

[DrZom-77-388656 · 5/10 · 29 August 2015]

I guess there is just no new way of telling this story. A boxer on top of his world loses everything in the blink of an eye, then battles his way back. Every trite plot wrinkle is there. Every sympathy trigger is there. The writing is not bad. The story is as well told as it can be, but the story just does not need to be told again.

Jake was great. His transformation from the pale, ghoulish "Nightcrawler" to a ripped pro boxer is startling. His portrayal of the punchy, brutal fighter on a journey of redemption is every bit as good as one could expect. Top marks for Jake. And the boxing scenes are as bloody as you could ask.

So there are some good things in a very predictable movie. Overall, go ahead and watch it and enjoy it for what it is. Just don't expect anything new.

my notes

[FeastMode · 7/10 · 26 June 2019]

Beastly acting. emotionally powerful and very moving. and an awesome job of making you feel what he is feeling. A unique and intriguing character brought to life by the phenomenal acting of Jake Gyllenhaal who has become one of the best. forest Whitaker, Rachel mcAdams and the kid were great too. 50 cent shouldn't have been in the movie tho (2 viewings)

Solid Film

[dustinhenson · 8/10 · 24 August 2015]

Southpaw is a drama/sports film directed by Antoine Fuqua and stars Jake Gyllenhaal. Although clichéd, the way the story of this film is told is what makes it great. The acting was great throughout the film especially by Gyllenhaal and ,surprisingly, Oona Laurence was fantastic. The film was well directed. Especially the boxing scenes themselves were shot very well and did a good job of really putting you in the shoes of the fighters. The dramatic scenes were done very well but we're very dark and depressing. This is not a light hearted film by any means. It deals with very sad subjects and is very gritty. On the negative side of things there is not much to say. It was well paced, well directed, and very well acted by everyone. It earns a solid 8/10.

Southpaw

[josh-17986 · 10/10 · 10 October 2015]

This was in my book the best movie of 2015, and the year isn't even over yet. Yes, that's how good i believe this movie is. The performance given by Jake Gyllenhaal and Rachel McAdams was astounding. I rated this movie a 10 out of 10 because it is completely worthy of it! Mr. Gyllenhaal was able to transform himself into a completely different person for this movie. Showing why he is such an incredible actor, and played the role as it was intended to be played. The film tugged at the viewers emotions throughout the entire movie, making you feel sad, mad, disappointed and happy. Although like I said before, the year is not over yet, but I believe that this movie was so good that nothing else that comes out this year can top it. I will be waiting the see both Jake and Rachel walk up and accept an award for such great performances.

A Heavyweight Champion.

[aciessi · 6/10 · 3 August 2015]

Southpaw is a bloody good time. It's "Rocky" meets "8 Mile". OK, you can see every plot point and boxing-movie cliché from a mile away. But does it matter when such energy pumps through your veins as you're watching the big redemption fight. You're rooting for Billy Hope all the way, and you feel for him when he falls, big time. Jake Gyllenhaal doesn't give a spectacular performance as per his pedigree, but he makes Billy Hope come alive. The role was originally intended for Eminem, and you can see Gyllenhaal channel him in every last nuance of his performance. Had Eminem taken the role, we'd be talking about his performance for years. Other performances are worth mentioning. Forrest Whitaker does a great job as the "cranky old gym trainer", and Rachel McAdams soars as Maureen Hope. Not to mention, Oona Laurence, turning in a magnificent performance as Leila. Southpaw doesn't pack the punch of what you'd might expect in the award show category, but it's a popcorn, sports flick that will entertain you, and that's enough.

AMAZING!!!!!

[frannafouche · 10/10 · 1 April 2022]

Jake gyllenhaal...amazing Story....amazing Emotion....amazing

I love this movie...absolutely incredible. The pacing is perfect, the drama is perfect. Definitely my top 5 movies ever made.

A Powerful Cliché

[obro · 7/10 · 5 August 2015]

Boxing films tend to follow a formula, Southpaw is no different. We see a champion at the top of his game, he is later faced with tragedy,and then he spends the rest of the film trying to repair his life and regain his title in one last fight against an impressive opponent who has done wrong by him. Also they didn't forget to include a good old training montage.Southpaw really does hit all the clichés of the genre.

There is more going for this movie than these clichés though. Firstly the performances are great. Jake Gyllenhaal delivers a performance that demonstrates his dedication to the role. He once again showed that he can transform himself physically to bring authenticity to his characters. Beyond his appearance he is very believable and likable which is actually quite important because when his character's life falls apart he spends a lot of time feeling sorry for himself and so the fact that the audience likes him and supports him is important so that they can feel sorry for him too. Another fantastic performance can be seen from Forest Whitaker although I think the stand out supporting performance in the film is from Oona Laurence who played the daughter of Gyllenhaal's character. I thought she gave an incredibly compelling performance especially for such a young actress with little. Her scenes with Jake Gyllenhaal were excellent too they had good chemistry and they really played off each other well as father and daughter.

The high standard of the performances helped to sell the drama in Southpaw, this was a relief to me because it meant that at least whilst watching the film the audience forgot that the what they were seeing was really nothing new or particularly special. Overall though the drama in Southpaw was quite captivating. As I've already mentioned the performances from Gyllenhaal and Laurence were great and so some scenes I thought were genuinely heartbreaking.

I can't review a boxing film without commenting on the scenes where there is actual boxing. Frankly they were superb. The way Antoine Fuqua decided to film the fight scenes is very raw and it's clear that realism was important to him. There were some brilliant shots in one of the fights where the camera acted as a first person view from one of the boxers and the opponent fighter would punch at the camera whilst it ducked and swayed. It was executed with skill and was therefore effective at throwing the audience straight into the brutality of a boxing match.

Southpaw was very entertaining, and as I didn't go into this expecting a masterpiece I was satisfied. It certainly wasn't the most original film I've ever seen but the powerful performances and the realistic boxing matches carried it over its cliché filled plot.

Emotionally Powerful

[zachmetzgers · 9/10 · 1 December 2021]

This is a boxing movie, but it's also so much more than that. As usual, Gyllenhaal loses himself in the character and takes the audience on the journey of the light heavyweight champion who endures personal tragedy and begins to self-implode.

Proving that old routine, when delivered properly, can still be a knockout.

[quincytheodore · 7/10 · 5 October 2015]

There's a simple combo in boxing called "one-two", which is a jab followed by a cross, it's a basic move familiar to boxers. Southpaw has the same essence, you might see it coming, yet the production and acting are amazing, it still makes for an effective spectacle. Jake Gyllenhaal especially has produced one of his most engaging performances, it's no understatement that the film rests on his shoulder and he carries with beyond mediocrity.

Story is admittedly unoriginal. It's a boxer's struggle to get his life together after an incident, one has seen this premise in Rocky and practically many other similar movies. A bit difference is it opens when Billy Hope (Jake Gyllenhaal) is on the peak of his career. Usually, boxing movie doesn't depict much what happens during or after the big fights, so the slight chance in direction is welcomed.

What follows is pretty much expected journey of self-discovery through much hardship. There's so much focus on Jake Gyllenhaal and he doesn't disappoint in the slightest. His boxer persona is ridden with rage, occasionally socially awkward and pretty much unable to cope. It's these flaws that made him identifiable and halfway through audience would root for him like it's an actual title fight.

Other cast like Forest Whitaker, Curtis Jackson and the little Oona Laurence bring the story together. Granted, each represents a stereotype, but the relationships, either it's dysfunctional or platonic serves Billy's character development very well. The father-daughter bond is impressively done, it's the best family display after Matthew McConaughey's Interstellar.

There are a few flaws though. Some of the plot devices feel forced as though it for the sake of setting the scenario and the antagonists are excessively vilified. However, there's a degree of effort to make this a legitimate boxing film. Details such as the technical aspects, preparation and life style are present, boxing fans wouldn't be disappointed.

Southpaw is, objectively, an overused story, but the energy from production and brilliant performance by Jake Gyllenhaal are so infectiously inspiring and uplifting.

Great

[0U · 20 February 2020]

The first 45 minutes are basically Murphy's law for the protagonist: everything that can go wrong, will go wrong. But you it's also true that when you've hit rock bottom, the only way is up. What follows still isn't predictable here, but takes a lot of effort, sweat and tears. Once the film is over, you realize it played you with the conventions of the sports drama you've seen a few times before. But while you're in it, you're on the edge of the seat and feel for this deeply flawed man and his adorable daughter. That's no small feat. Director Fuqua could rely on an incredibly strong cast, especially Gyllenhaal, delivering one of the best performances of his career.

Nothing new

[bfsr81 · 6/10 · 20 February 2017]

The movie is good, actors performance is excellent, but we have already watched excellent and even better similar movies in the past.

I think that Raging bull, Million dollar baby, Cinderella man, Rocky ...etc. are much better !! I also recommend the wrestler or warrior if we want to extend the genre.

If you haven't watched previous movies you will enjoy this movie, otherwise you will just find a remake or recompilation of some of the scenes of the previous mentioned movies.

Hope springs eternal

[bkoganbing · 8/10 · 6 November 2015]

Jake Gyllenhaal gives his fans his best work since Brokeback Mountain as light heavyweight champion Billy Hope who suffers a horrific personal tragedy beyond any I've ever seen in a boxing film and comes back from it. For what he goes through Sylvester Stallone had it easy. As Brokeback Mountain got him an Oscar nomination maybe Southpaw will do the same.

Billy Hope is a kid raised in an orphanage as a foundling as is his loving and supportive wife Rachel McAdams. They have a daughter played by Oona Laurence who is their whole world. When McAdams is killed in an unspeakable tragedy, Gyllenhaal's world falls apart and he has to make one long comeback.

As a kid who was raised by the social welfare system it's the system that decides what he must do to gain back his child. Gyllenhaal is wonderful as a man who successfully conquers the badder angels of his nature to gain it all back, title, child, and self respect.

McAdams should be singled out for a moving death scene ranking up there with some of the screen's best. Also Forest Whitaker who trains the ex-champ for his comeback should also be singled out.

Watching Gyllenhaal as Billy Hope put me in mind of heavyweight contender Hurricane Jackson when I was a kid. There's no science in Hope's style, he just wades in and brawls. Hope will take two or three punches to get in his shot. As McAdams points out he'll be punch drunk within a few years. Whitaker puts a little science in his boxing persona. Hurricane Jackson was very much like Billy Hope and did in fact end up punch drunk.

This is a fine boxing film and Oscar nominations could come for Gyllenhaal and McAdams.

A sincere drama about the relationship between father and daughter.

[magicbeamsamara · 7/10 · 26 March 2024]

Kurt Sutter's sports drama directed by Antoine Fuqua is the story of a boxer who, having found himself at the top of his career, at one point loses everything he holds dear, everything he fought for. The narrative adheres to the proven formulas of fall and rebirth, obstacles on the way to victory, quoting the path of Rocky Balboa. The hero has a strong opponent, there is a wise coach played by Forest Whitaker, and the lyrical interest is his own daughter, whose lost trust he has yet to earn. But despite these conventions, the film keeps to itself, immersing the viewer into the inner world of the hero, and Jake Gyllenhaal fulfilled this task perfectly.

In fact, the film is not about sports, it is about human relationships, about redemption, about the struggle with oneself. And the most important part of the picture is actor Jake Gyllenhaal, it is his reverent attitude to the details of the film image, his reincarnation that helps the viewer to live his life, it is he who is the guide to a high point of emotional tension. This is a serious and sincere drama about the relationship between a father and daughter.

The painting has flaws. Sometimes the director neglects minor characters and seems to forget about their existence or exaggerates the drama for the sake of explaining the reasons, ignoring the context of the main idea: the love line of the hero and his wife does not convey deep affection; his depressive suicidal reaction is slightly exaggerated; the dynamics of the critical attitude of the daughter to the father is not read, but only informs the viewer; the antihero is given little attention and on the screen and in the content; the director voices the topic of adolescent upbringing and child abuse, but does not disclose it - all this may be a consequence of a limited budget and schedule, but all these problems, to one degree or another, are present in other films by Antoine Fuqua - with rare exceptions.

This isn't just a boxing movie but a movie about redemption

[Benslie · 9/10 · 12 February 2019]

First of all, I love the underlining themes of this film. Yes, this film is a boxing film but it's one of those films where you have to watch it to get the deeper meaning behind it. One of the meanings is that you have to lose once in a while to get better. Billy has to change from when we first see him at the beginning of the film to the last time. Which is another reason why I love this film is the character development in this film. Billy doesn't stay the same from beginning to end. No, he has to change in order to get his life back together and you see that not just instantly but over the period of the film. I also really liked the pacing in this film. None of the scenes felt rushed or slowed down at any point. They all felt like the speed it should be going at for a movie like this. But I can't say the same about the transitions in this film. Some of them were awkward and took away from the emotion in that scene. The acting in this film was spectacular as well. Which ties in well with the emotion because all the actors and actresses easily showed the proper emotion that was supposed to be seen at that moment. When a character was upset or angry you could easily see it in their facial expression and body language. But obviously I knew Jake Gyllenhaal was going to be good in this film but somebody who shocked me was Oona Laurence, who plays Leila Hope. She acted way beyond somebody her age and she could easily steal the scene from any of the adults and I hope she has a great career in the future. In the end, this film isn't just a boxing film but a movie about how you have to lose once in a while to change and grow as a person.