I saw this on the big screen recently. Far from being a movie about boxing, it's more of a rumination of Stockton, a town in Northern California, but it might as well have been Schenectady, New York. This is the kind of movie that only could have b... (read more) I saw this on the big screen recently. Far from being a movie about boxing, it's more of a rumination of Stockton, a town in Northern California, but it might as well have been Schenectady, New York. This is the kind of movie that only could have been made in the 70s - no real plot, just a bunch of scenes more or less revolving around Stacy Keach, a drunk, washed-up small time boxer. There is no definite resolution, but what has stayed with me its complete honesty. It is also filmed beautifully, with amazing lights and darks. At one point, when Keach enters a dark bar at midday, all you see is his silhouette in the doorway. You can feel that dark bar so palpably in that one scene. Anyway, its a very subtle movie that to me shows why the 70s was a golden age for cinema.

There's not much of a plot, but that never stops John Huston from doing wonders. It's Keach's best performance (which may or may not be saying much), and Bridges has a very good early turn here.

Slice of life film of people experiencing low prospects in a dead end city. Worth watching, even if you don't like boxing. Very well acted. I wish it was longer because I really cared for the characters.

Finally got around to this movie. Some of the best drunk acting you'll see. Stacy Keach is fantastic, as is Susan Tyrrell. Don't miss a super-young Jeff Bridges.

The kind of film that Charles Bukowski would have written if he wasn't too busy getting wrecked all the time (what that means I'll let you decide for yourself). Stacey Keach delivers the performance of a lifetime and John Huston allows broke-downs an... (read more) The kind of film that Charles Bukowski would have written if he wasn't too busy getting wrecked all the time (what that means I'll let you decide for yourself). Stacey Keach delivers the performance of a lifetime and John Huston allows broke-downs and bums to get along with their lives without the mandatory highs and lows that other directors fabricate in a bid for oscar glory. Catch the final scene in the diner for a glimpse of what life really holds in store for all of us: sooner or later. I think this is the greatest boxing flick ever made. Interestingly Huston was a lightweight boxing champion, which has a 135lbs weight limit: at 6ft 2in tall, he must have been a real stringbean! Just goes to show that in a bust up, its mean that wins out every time... And Nicholas Colosanto takes a big (fat - hence the title!) dump on any other actor who tried to portray a shyster coach. Late night viewing for wannabe losers but be warned - well adjusted viewers may find themselves bored to tears.

Knall hard 70 talls realisme , denne tar for seg bokse miljøet.Supre rolle prestasjoner og alltid solid fra grand old man Huston.Skitnere blir det ikke !!!!

Probably the best film of the Seventies that you've never heard of. Stacy Keach plays a washed up boxer who may have been a contender, and Jeff Bridges his potential facsimile. Although the fight scenes are not the most exciting ever committed to c... (read more) Probably the best film of the Seventies that you've never heard of. Stacy Keach plays a washed up boxer who may have been a contender, and Jeff Bridges his potential facsimile. Although the fight scenes are not the most exciting ever committed to celluloid, they're probably the most honest, and honesty is what this film is all about. Check it out.

What Studler says about this and Raging Bull is completely true, and I like Raging Bull a lot. In Huston's body of work, this belongs with Asphalt Jungle and Treasure of the Sierra Madre, though I should add that this is not only a different era for ... (read more) What Studler says about this and Raging Bull is completely true, and I like Raging Bull a lot. In Huston's body of work, this belongs with Asphalt Jungle and Treasure of the Sierra Madre, though I should add that this is not only a different era for the director than those two are but almost a different medium.

I watched this again just to make sure that it's still one of the best things I've ever seen, and yes, it is. It's hands down the single greatest boxing film ever made.

Tedious direction, good photography, human storytelling. This is one of those instances where the writing does the work and the action doesn't have to. Unfortunately Keach isn't charismatic enough to carry the screen time he is allotted. That said, h... (read more) Tedious direction, good photography, human storytelling. This is one of those instances where the writing does the work and the action doesn't have to. Unfortunately Keach isn't charismatic enough to carry the screen time he is allotted. That said, he puts in an excellent performance.