Director Ralph Nelson, tells the story of Luis Rivera, a boxer once considered one of the best in the industry. Now, older and not as strong, Rivera loses against Cassius Clay, a much younger boxer who wins on the 7th round by K.O. Very hurt and unconscious, Rivera’s manager, Maish, is told by a doctor that Rivera should retire from boxing in order to keep his vision. Rivera follows the doctor's orders and attempts to find a job through a job agency. Grace Miller is in charge of Rivera’s case and attempts to find him a job that does not require much education. While Rivera is looking for a job, Maish is worried about his life. Maish who bet money against Rivera on the fight against Clay also made Ma Greeny and her gang members bet promising them that Rivera would be knocked down by the 4th round. Knowing that Rivera would do anything for him and is also very easy to manipulate, Maish tries to convince him into entering the wrestling business and playing the role of an Native American. Rivera finally saw the type of person Maish is and took a stand on what his future will be as well as helping Maish out for the last time.
Just like many of the boxing movies we have seen throughout our time in class, this movie also tells the story of manipulative, backstabbing managers and gang related issues. In “The Harder They Fall” we saw the story of a latin boxer who barely knew any english get played by his fighter promoters. This was also much like Requiem For A Heavyweight, a latin man who had very little education was manipulated for years by a his manager and a man he considered a best friend and brother. These fighters are giving up everything they have and are working very hard just to be played by some of the people they care most about. Not only do we see the gang related issues, and betrayal but we also see the typical “bum” imagery we see in classic boxing films. Rivera has very little education and lives in a beat up apartment. Like said before, being a “bum” is something typical one sees in a classic boxing film. We see this in The Wrestler, Rocky, Fat City and the list can go on and on. Requiem For A Heavyweight is a movie full of typical boxing film details.
Requiem For A Heavyweight is a classic boxing film filled with passion, love, and backstabbing.
Just like many of the boxing movies we have seen throughout our time in class, this movie also tells the story of manipulative, backstabbing managers and gang related issues. In “The Harder They Fall” we saw the story of a latin boxer who barely knew any english get played by his fighter promoters. This was also much like Requiem For A Heavyweight, a latin man who had very little education was manipulated for years by a his manager and a man he considered a best friend and brother. These fighters are giving up everything they have and are working very hard just to be played by some of the people they care most about. Not only do we see the gang related issues, and betrayal but we also see the typical “bum” imagery we see in classic boxing films. Rivera has very little education and lives in a beat up apartment. Like said before, being a “bum” is something typical one sees in a classic boxing film. We see this in The Wrestler, Rocky, Fat City and the list can go on and on. Requiem For A Heavyweight is a movie full of typical boxing film details.
Requiem For A Heavyweight is a classic boxing film filled with passion, love, and backstabbing.