CounterPunch (2017) User Reviews

Decent Boxing Documentary

[doveed · 6/10 · 31 December 2018]

This was an interesting approach to making a boxing documentary, as it follows three different boxers who are at three different stages in their careers. The problem was that the emphasis of the storytelling seemed to be more about the sport of boxing itself, opposed to the three people we were following. Because of that, it was difficult to be emotionally invested. Even the writer/director, who narrates the documentary (with inconsistency), could have elaborated on his own boxing story just a little bit more. He introduces himself at the beginning and sets the stage pretty well, but not long after the documentary begins, we forget that he's our storyteller. There's lots of interesting information in this piece, perhaps a bit too much for a 90-minute sitting, and it overshadows the human stories which are underdeveloped. The sport of boxing is an underdog in of itself, so it's nice to see a well-produced piece like this featured on Netflix. Boxing fans should like this, and it might have been more than just a "boxing documentary" if it had a stronger narrative theme. But I'm a boxing guy, so much respect to the people involved.

Insightful and interesting

[shenxiaoting · 7/10 · 23 July 2023]

A story of three unique and skilled fighters, with various interesting other fighters adding to the story along the way, both old and new, competing and spectating they have their own little stories which add so much, our hero's face both adversity and triumph brought on both by themselves and by things outside their control.

It's striking and inspiring, interesting and powerful, simple and complex, it shines a light on the world of both amateurs and professionals, showing us what they want and what they do and the lives of those around them, it's shows us both how similar they really are to us and how very different they are in.

All in all a solid documentary about an interesting topic.

Solid Documentary

[beakermccabe-57332 · 7/10 · 7 November 2018]

I found this a very interesting documentary. It makes the fighters human. I have been a longtime fan of both boxing and MMA, but truthfully I don't believe I looked at the individuals in these sports to the aspect of the "why" they are fighters. What motivates them to do what they do?

I am not sure that this will draw in those who aren't fans of the sport. Although it is an interesting film, to truly enjoy it I do believe that you do need to be a fan of the sport to appreciate it completely.

Overall, if you like any of the fighting sports, this is a worthy watch.