I’ve never been a huge boxing fan but I do appreciate the
skill that it takes and that many don’t recognize in the sport. It’s not a case
of two men beating the hell out of each other but of two combatants at peak
physical form judging their opponent, strategizing about how the other man will
move and swing, developing the stamina to remain on your feet for an entire
fight and learning to be fast enough to hit and fast enough to dodge when the
need arises.
There have been a number of fighters that have captured the
imaginations and love of those who follow the sport, among them Muhammed Ali,
Sugar Ray Leonard and Mike Tyson. But of late the name that comes around more
often than not is Manny Pacquiao. The eight division champion’s story fits the
mold of many a Hollywood film, but it’s true. And as he nears what many
consider the ultimate fight of his career with Floyd Mayweather in May, this
documentary of his life arrives in a timely fashion.
The movie opens with more current events and fights but soon
takes us back to where it all began. As a young boy in the Philippines,
Pacquiao grew up dirt poor in a shack with several brothers, sisters and his
mother. At an early age he set out to help take care of his family by helping
pull in fish nets along the beach near where he lived. Sometimes going hungry,
he left for the city to find a way to take care of his family and he began his
boxing career at 16, lying about his age since you had to be 18 for a license.
His rise to fame and stardom may have begun in the
Philippines but it didn’t take long for him to get noticed. As the options for
opponents dwindled down to none, he soon found his way to the United States.
Finding a trainer and a manager he was on his way to his first championship.
But just like those Hollywood movies about the sport, it actually is filled
with managers and the like who will take advantage of their fighters and he had
that happen as well.
Through it all he continues towards the top. He continued to
fight his way to the championship and became a huge money making industry.
Through it all he tried to give back to his homeland. He also paid his respect
to God. At least on the surface. While the movie doesn’t dwell on it, the
mention of cheating on his wife, drinking too much and gambling all occur. But
eventually that changes too with a recommitment to both his God, his family and
his country.
Don’t worry, this is not a spoiler situation where
everything about the movie is revealed in a few paragraphs. There is more depth
to the story to be taken advantage of by watching this film. It holds your
interest from start to finish and offers and inspiring tale of the rise of
someone to the highest peak who began with nothing. It shows the ups and down
of the boxing business through the eyes of one of the most famous boxers living
today.
Before watching this film I had only heard the name of the
man. Now I know more about the character and what brought him to where he is
today. It will inspire you enough that when his next bout comes you’ll most
likely be in his corner and hoping he succeeds with another win. In terms of
documentaries the movie offers a well-paced, well edited film that never gets
boring.
MANNY is a movie that will entertain and inform the casual
viewer and allow them to see what went into the making of this boxing champ. If
you’re a fan of the sport it will be a movie that you will want to add to your
collection, making it a permanent addition. If you’re a fan of all sports
you’ll want to check it out. And if you’ve never heard of Manny Pacquiao now is
your chance to learn about the man behind the name.
Click here to order.
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