CINDERELLA MAN

True story

BACKGROUND
America's Great Depression is regarded as having begun in 1929 with the Stock Market crash, and ended in 1941 with America's entry into World War II. The major factors were the following:
 Speculation in the 1920s caused many people to by stocks with loaned money and they used these stocks as collateral for buying more stocks. Broker's loans went from less than $5 million in mid 1928 to more than $850 million in September 1929. The stock market boom was based on borrowed money and false optimism. When investors lost confidence, the stock market collapsed, taking them along with it.
 Short-sighted U.S.A. government economic policies: politicians believed that business was the key business of America. Thus, the government took no action against unwise investing. Congress passed high tariffs that protected American industries but hurt farmers and international trade.
 The economy was not balanced: few people with stocks kept them as an investment. Most bought and sold their stocks and spent the profits on American goods. The demand exceeded supply and prices went up to the point few could afford to buy anything. Some people profited from this situation, but most did not.

With the crash many families lost their homes because they could not pay their mortgages. These people had no choice but to seek alternative forms of shelter called Hoovervilles. These were named after U.S. President Hoover, who was blamed for the problems that led to the depression.

PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS
Russell Crowe: James J. Braddock, a cocky young boxing contender
Renée Zellweger: his wife, Mae
Paul Giamatti: Braddock's trainer, manager and loyal friend
Craig Bierko:s heavyweight champ Max Baer

REVIEW
The boxing ring can be a symbol for the struggles of one man against all odds. Or it can simply be where one man found fame and fortune in the struggle of life. The movie goes beyond showing us how he dealt with the “tough times”. It gives us an insight to the problems so many faced during America’s worst economic crisis. The acting is superb.

Although not classified with a R rating, the film accurately portrays the violence of professional boxing and the brutal fight sequences might be unsettling for some.

CLASSIFICATION
for intense boxing violence and some language.

P.S.
Damon Runyon, legendary reporter, coined the name "Cinderella Man" as an admiring description for the underdog Braddock.