Cinderella Man

Cinderella Man
The Great Depression, a time during which it seemed as though there was no hope for a once great nation. Pain and sorrow were the norm during this decade and it seemed as though there was no end in sight. This theme of hopelessness was depicted perfectly in Ron Howard’s film, Cinderella Man; which illustrates the life of a talented boxer who loses everything and must fight to earn it back. This boxer, James J. Braddock, is first shown as a man on top of the world. Nicknamed the Bulldog of Bergen, Braddock is winning fights left and right, and making tons of money doing it. He goes home to his beautiful girlfriend and is last seen taking off his expensive watch, laying it next to other fine jewelry. Fast forward a few years and its all gone. The outside world looks dark and gloomy, as if the happiness has been drained from the people's faces, as well as the environment that surrounds them. As the story goes on, Braddock and his family are met with even more misfortune. For James has broken his hand and lost his boxing license. Meanwhile, the rent is due and they are endanger of being evicted. These are some of the reasons why Braddock’s story was so universally followed, because it was relatable. Problems such as the inability to pay bills plagued American citizens for there was barely enough money for food. Nevertheless, Braddocks fortune turns and he is met with a chance to get back in the ring. Armed with the will to provide for his family as motivation, Braddock wins fight after fight. Finally he is set to face the ruthless champion Max Baer. After grueling fight, Braddock is crowned champion, thus concluding his journey from riches to rags, then riches yet again. His rollercoaster of a life perfectly illustrates the time from the roaring 20’s to the great depression. Thus proving why so many Americans found the story of James J. Braddock interesting, he ensured that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
In a time in which dreams seemed...