Tommy Riley's Way There is a category of films that can not boast anything remarkable, but fall into the soul. Basically, such paintings leave a large imprint in childhood. This tape is included in that number. Almost every year I stumbled across this movie on TV, and although I knew how the story would end, I still stayed on screen until the final credits. There is some charm in the simple but very soulful story of a young boy from a troubled neighborhood. Yes, the name instantly refers to the cult peplum, but we must remember that this movie came out long before the historical drama.
This is a classic sports drama with all its attributes. This is a youth film, the main characters of which are teenagers. Tommy Riley, by chance, becomes a participant in underground boxing matches. Being a talented boxer, he quickly achieves success. However, everything is not so simple here and soon the main character will face big problems. We see the formation of the hero, his growing up, as well as overcoming difficulties. It's basically a classic scheme. Illegal sport and the dark affairs surrounding it are an important theme of the film. Along the way, the eternal problem of fathers and children is touched upon, not very deeply, but it is revealed. There is a secondary romantic line. The picture is not different, but it creates its own atmosphere.
The film reflects social issues. This can be seen even in the example of the main characters. There is a black person who represents the problems of the black population of America and dreams of getting out of the ghetto. A descendant of Latin American immigrants is present. The main character, although white, represents the most unfavorable segments of the population. For all of them, underground boxing is the only way to earn a living. It bribes, you empathize with the heroes, you wish them success. And the motive of friendship becomes the main one in the course of the tape.
The film has a small budget. But the film crew competently uses the available resources and produces a very high-quality picture. The staging of battles is not virtuoso, but is at a high level. Not too spectacular, but breathtaking, and makes an impression.
James Marshall is well accustomed to the image of a calm guy, not just a talented fighter, but also a smart person who wants to go to college. From the point of view of drama, he is not very emotional. However, he manages to completely dispose of the viewer and evoke compassion from that. One of the first roles was played by a young Cuba Gooding Jr., a very talented actor who subsequently made a successful career. Brian Dennehy is great in the image of the main villain, negative characters have always succeeded him. Well, such venerable artists as Robert Lodge and John Hurd perfectly complement the cast.
Gladiator is an emotional, motivational, youth sports drama. The picture does not offer anything innovative, but successfully touches on many issues of social, criminal and life topics. Personally, the film made a strong impression on me, there is something spiritual in it that causes a strong influx of emotions. I definitely recommend it.
8 out of 10