Review: A woman’s boxing prowess makes her a hard sell in the subtle, complex ‘The Fire Inside’
As a movie lover with a penchant for sports biopics and an appreciation for stories that delve deeper than just the triumphant moments, “The Fire Inside” resonated deeply with me. Having grown up in a small town where dreams often seemed like distant possibilities, I found a kindred spirit in Claressa Shields – a young woman who dared to dream big and had the courage to chase those dreams.
Girls who learn self-defense at an early age may not necessarily become professional boxers. However, for Claressa Shields from Flint, Michigan, boxing was more than just a means of defense; it was a passion. As a young prodigy, she threw powerful punches that led her to break records and win two consecutive Olympic gold medals.
The film “The Fire Inside,” directed by Rachel Morrison, seems to follow a classic, movie-worthy sports narrative. It showcases a challenging childhood, a strong bond between coach and boxer, and mental challenges to conquer before the climactic event. The character Claressa, portrayed by Ryan Destiny, is determined, talented, and carries the hopes of a struggling town with her every move. However, she manages to win as if the weight of those dreams were effortless.
A good story like Claressa’s doesn’t need much to become a movie. Her journey from a struggling home with an absentee mother (Oluniké Adeliyi) to a boxing gym led by volunteer coach Jason Crutchfield (Brian Tyree Henry), who was once a fighter himself, makes up the basic structure of the film. Claressa’s raw talent and self-assuredness quickly break down Jason’s preconceptions about girls in boxing, and under his tough, nurturing guidance, she becomes the first woman to compete in boxing at the Olympics, winning her matches.
What sets “The Fire Inside” apart from typical sports biopics like “Moonlight’s” Barry Jenkins’ masterful screenplay is the focus on events beyond victories and awards ceremonies. In this film, when Morrison presents Shields with her medal in London, 2012, while we see expressions of pride, hands on hearts, and mouths singing the national anthem, it is Tamar-kali’s score that resonates – a melancholic, yearning tune that suggests there are still untold stories.
Awards
In the most recent installment of ‘The Envelope,’ an actor delves into his portrayal of boxer Claressa Shields. Additionally, Sean Baker and Mikey Madison offer insights on refining their production ‘Anora.’
It appears that, unlike many boxers who experience rapid success followed by decline, Claressa’s post-golden days took a different turn – more of a plateau rather than a fall. Rejecting the stereotypical femininity, she is candid in her interviews (“I enjoy hitting people,” she says, grinning) and unwilling to conform to anything other than her true self. As the first female American champion in a traditionally male sport, she didn’t receive the life-altering endorsements and opportunities one might expect upon her return. Six months later, she can be found signing autographs at bowling alleys for extra money, while Jason’s attempts to secure contracts for her continue to face the same outdated perceptions about female boxers that he had to overcome years ago. (Is there any actor as skilled as Henry at portraying those fleeting moments of joy and hardship that hint at a rich and immersive life?).
It’s a flip side of athletic achievement that feels underexplored in movies: the idea of how sports success is marketed and sold. That reality hits home in a scene in which Claressa, alone and without help, makes an emergency run to the grocery store with her teen sister’s soiled baby on her hip, and encounters a wall of Michael Phelps-adorned Wheaties boxes. It’s a stark, powerful juxtaposition, heart-wrenching and enraging.
However, “The Fire Inside” isn’t a sad portrayal of societal injustice in Claressa’s system, but rather it demonstrates a thoughtful emotional intelligence, refusing to label anyone as an obstacle or helper in her life. The movie’s boxing scenes are energetic, yet it’s the moments outside the ring where Claressa makes tough decisions about her future that show its most powerful stands. This unique perspective on the drive to triumph, even when the fight is over, distinguishes “The Fire Inside” from many other films of similar nature.
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2024-12-24 14:32