Synopsis

During the Great Depression, former light-heavyweight contender James J. Braddock struggles to support his family after injuries end his boxing career. When an unexpected opportunity brings him back into the ring, Braddock begins an extraordinary comeback. Fighting through poverty, pain, and seemingly impossible odds, he rises from obscurity to challenge heavyweight champion Max Baer and becomes a symbol of hope for a nation in crisis.

Factoids & Trivia

• Although the story is set largely in New York, much of the film was shot in Toronto. Maple Leaf Gardens provided the setting for the boxing scenes, while other Toronto locations were redressed to resemble Depression-era New York.

• The crowd scenes for the climactic fight used approximately 15,000 inflatable figures dressed with masks and hats to create the appearance of a packed arena.

• Professional boxers were used as Braddock's opponents. The physical demands of filming resulted in Russell Crowe suffering several concussions and cracked teeth.

• Rosemarie DeWitt, who appears as Sara Wilson, was the real James J. Braddock's granddaughter. She was able to share personal family knowledge during production.

• The film received three Academy Award nominations at the 78th Academy Awards, including nominations for Paul Giamatti, film editing, and makeup.