Klitschko out NOW on Blu-ray and DVD – The Top 10 Boxing Films In Movie History
KLITSCHKO, the inspirational true story of legendary boxing brothers Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko, arrives on Blu-ray and DVD on May 28th.
From the socialist drill of their childhood in the Ukraine, and their first successes as amateurs, to their move to Germany and subsequent rise as international stars on the verge of holding the championship titles of all five boxing federations (Wladimir secured this with his unanimous World Boxing Association win against David Haye on July 2nd, 2011).
The in depth documentary uncovers what made the brothers two of the most successful in boxing, and should take its place among the best boxing films.
We’ve taken a look at that esteemed company with the TOP 10 BOXING FILMS IN MOVIE HISTORY...
| CHAMPION (1949) Midge Kelly (Kirk Douglas) is a young man crossing America without a dream. Unwittingly thrust into the ring to fight a professional, Kelly suffers a heavy defeat, but not before catching the eye of a manager. At his journey’s end another begins as he takes up boxing to escape menial work. Seduced by the money, crowds, and broads, Kelly’s career goes from strength to strength... but at what cost to his private life with his young wife? |
 |
| THE HARDER THEY FALL (1956) Humphrey Bogart’s last role before his death in 1957, The Harder They Fall uncovered the unsavoury business of fight-fixing. Bogart performs wonders as the out-of-work sportswriter who is hired by a corrupt promoter to make a star of his new Argentine fighter of dubious talent. A series of fixes propel the fighter to within one fight of the title, but the reigning champ will refuse to take a fall. As an unpleasant future approaches for the naive boxer, Bogart faces a heavy moral challenge. |
 |
| Probably the most watched film on this list, Rocky, written by and starring Sylvester Stallone, is the quintessential boxing movie. Everyone knows the theme and everyone remembers the montage but Rocky should be noted for its themes of ambition and self-respect. The ‘Italian Stallion’ gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot at the title, and grasps it with everything his body can take and then some. |
 |
| Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece stars Robert De Niro as Jake La Motta, a prize boxer whose aggression in the ring makes him a champion. La Motta is unable to control the same power and aggression out of the ring with severe consequences for his family, his friends, and ultimately himself. With both fights and family beautifully shot and edited, Raging Bull must be the best boxing film of all time. |
 |
| 1974 - George Foreman Vs. Mohammad Ali – Surely one of the greatest fights of all time was made into the greatest boxing documentary of all time. The Academy agreed, awarding the film a best documentary Oscar. Finally released 23 years after the event, this film recounts the untold story behind the ‘Rumble In The Jungle’. |
 |
| Denzel Washington steps into the shoes of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, a boxer falsely convicted and imprisoned for murder. After overcoming a rough youth and becoming a real contender, Carter was accused of a triple murder and his life came crashing down. Hope arrives in the form of a young African-American boy compelled after reading Carter’s book to fight for his freedom, but finding a racist establishment standing in his way. |
 |
| One of the first films about female boxing, Girlfight stars Michelle Rodriguez as Diana, an 18 year old tearaway who discovers a hidden talent when she joins her brother at the gym. As her training builds, Diana has to learn to accommodate her toughness or risk the few relationships she has. This often overlooked film tells a story of not giving up, and proved an excellent first feature for Rodriguez. |
 |
| Will Smith enters the ring as perhaps the most famous boxer of all time, Cassius Clay, aka Muhammad Ali. The film traces Ali’s triumphant rise to heavyweight champion, explores his allegiance to the Nation of Islam and friends like Malcolm X, and his refusal to fight in the Vietnam War, before championing his victorious come-back. Michael Mann’s film has helped a new generation come to know a true legend of boxing. |
 |
| Hilary Swank, Morgan Freeman and Clint Eastwood star in this emotional tale story of an aging trainer, an old friend and a 31 year old waitress who wants to better herself. Reluctant relationships are forged, old wrongs forgiven and things are looking up before an event in the ring changes things forever. Utterly devastating - but filmmaking at its very best. |
 |
| The uplifting true story of depression-era boxer James J. Braddock’s comeback was captured by Ron Howard with Russell Crowe in the lead role. In the 1930’s former prize fighter Braddock was much like the rest of the American populace. He had no money, no luck, and seemingly no way to pull his family out of poverty. Eventually, his love for his family and honour prompted him to dream the impossible dream, and success was to come his way. |
 |
| This new cinematic sports documentary joins the likes of Senna and When We Were Kings offering amazing insights into the upbringing and careers of the Klitschko brothers. From their socialist childhood in the barracks in the Ukraine, to their sudden experience of the west, this film charts the development of the pair who would come to dominate the boxing world. Using archive footage, home videos, interviews and stunning slow-motion boxing photography, the world of the Klitschkos is brought alive. The film chronicles their ambition and success both in the ring, and as sophisticated doctorate holding gentlemen in the realms of business and politics. |
 |
| © 2012 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved KLITSCHKO is released on Blu-ray and DVD on May 28th
|