Christian Bale and Mark Wahlberg star in David O. Russell-directed drama “The Fighter” about boxer Irish Mickey Ward and his unlikely path to become world lightweight champion. Here are some photos from the movie.
“The Fighter” tells the true story of Boston fighter “Irish” Micky Ward and how he was helped to the world lightweight championship by half-brother and his trainer Dicky Ecklund.
Ecklund was a journeyman fighter who sent Sugar Ray Leonard to the canvas in 1978. His career was derailed by drug addiction and a prison sentence. Upon his release, he convinced his younger brother, Ward – who had retired from boxing at 26 after losing four straight – to get back in the ring. Under Ecklund's tutelage, Ward won the WBU Light Welterweight title and engaged in one of the greatest fight trilogies in history with Arturo Gatti.
The Fighter | Christian Bale and Mark Wahlberg
Wahlberg plays Ward, a fighter who was losing bouts and was ready to hang up the gloves when his brother came back into his life. Ecklund turned his life around and helped his underperforming brother find the spark for a remarkable run that led to the world title.
The Fighter | Mark Wahlberg
Bale plays Ecklund, whose drugs and robbery spree drew him a 10- to 15-year sentence in state prison. There, he kicked drugs, became a model prisoner and emerged as a changed man who helped his brother reach the glory that eluded him.
The Fighter | Christian Bale
Wahlberg’s got some talent
-but no career direction.
Moronic, done-to-death macho
for the circle-jerks in the
comfort zone is —NOWHERE!
Wow, what a movie. It’s an inspirational true story of a boxer finally getting his break. It’s also a story of addiction, and how it can affect loved ones. I really liked it