The movie Cinderella Man ends with James J. Braddock, battered but triumphant, defeating Max Baer to become the World Heavyweight Champion. This improbable victory, fueled by grit, determination, and love for his family, secures their future and cements Braddock’s legacy as a symbol of hope during the Great Depression.
The Final Round: Triumph Over Adversity
The film builds relentlessly to the climactic fight between Braddock (played by Russell Crowe) and the seemingly invincible Baer (Craig Bierko). Baer, infamous for having killed two men in the ring, is portrayed as a dangerous and almost psychologically terrifying opponent. Braddock, smaller and less experienced, is the underdog, fighting for more than just a title; he’s fighting for his family’s survival.
The fight itself is a brutal, drawn-out affair. Braddock endures a tremendous beating, relying on his cunning, resilience, and the unwavering support of his wife, Mae (Renée Zellweger), and his manager, Joe Gould (Paul Giamatti). He utilizes a strategy of absorbing punishment and waiting for Baer to tire.
In the later rounds, Baer begins to falter. His arrogance and complacency give way to frustration as he can’t land the knockout blow he expects. Braddock, sensing an opportunity, capitalizes on Baer’s weakness. He delivers a flurry of punches, ultimately knocking Baer down in the 15th round and winning the fight by unanimous decision.
The final scene shows Braddock returning to his family, a hero embraced by a nation reeling from the economic hardships of the era. He has proven that even in the face of insurmountable odds, hope and perseverance can prevail. The victory not only secures his family’s future but also provides a much-needed morale boost to a struggling America. The end credits show archival footage of the real James J. Braddock, further emphasizing the authenticity and historical significance of the story.
FAQs: Unpacking the Cinderella Story
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the ending of Cinderella Man and the broader context of the film:
1. Did James J. Braddock really beat Max Baer?
Yes, the central event of the film, Braddock’s victory over Max Baer, is historically accurate. This upset is considered one of the greatest in boxing history. While the film takes liberties with certain details for dramatic effect, the core outcome of the fight remains true to reality.
2. What was the significance of Braddock’s victory during the Great Depression?
Braddock’s triumph became a symbol of hope and resilience for Americans struggling through the Great Depression. He represented the common man’s ability to overcome adversity through hard work and determination. His story resonated deeply with a nation facing widespread unemployment and poverty, providing inspiration and a sense that even in the darkest of times, victory was possible. He was nicknamed “Cinderella Man” because of his unlikely and miraculous rise from poverty to champion.
3. Was Max Baer truly as villainous as he’s portrayed in the movie?
The film takes some liberties with Baer’s portrayal. While Baer was undoubtedly a formidable and intimidating boxer, the film exaggerates his maliciousness. There is debate about the extent to which he was affected by the deaths of Frankie Campbell and Ernie Schaaf (the boxers mentioned in the film who died after fighting Baer). Many boxing historians argue that Baer was deeply saddened by these events and carried the weight of them throughout his career.
4. What happened to James J. Braddock after he won the championship?
After winning the championship, Braddock held the title for two years before losing to Joe Louis in 1937. He was knocked out in the eighth round. Following his boxing career, Braddock and his partner Joe Gould invested in heavy equipment and successfully bid on contracts for constructing the New Jersey Turnpike, proving his business acumen. He died in 1974 at the age of 69.
5. How accurate is the portrayal of Mae Braddock in the film?
While the film presents Mae Braddock as a loving and supportive wife, some historians suggest that her role was more complex. She was known to be fiercely protective of her family and deeply worried about James’s boxing career. The film likely simplifies her character to emphasize the importance of family support in Braddock’s success. The constant anxiety Mae displayed about her husband’s safety was a realistic depiction.
6. What was Joe Gould’s role in Braddock’s career?
Joe Gould, portrayed by Paul Giamatti, was Braddock’s manager and a crucial figure in his comeback story. He believed in Braddock’s potential even when others had written him off. Gould’s unwavering support, strategic guidance, and ability to secure fights were instrumental in Braddock’s rise to the championship. The film accurately depicts their close and loyal relationship.
7. Did Braddock really have to go on welfare?
Yes, Braddock’s experience with welfare is a key element of his story. After suffering a hand injury, he struggled to find work and was forced to accept government assistance to provide for his family. This experience deeply affected him and motivated him to fight with everything he had to ensure his family’s survival. His humility and gratitude after achieving success were largely attributed to this difficult period.
8. What did Braddock do with his winnings after the Baer fight?
One of Braddock’s most commendable acts was paying back the welfare money he had received during his period of hardship. This act of integrity and responsibility further cemented his image as a working-class hero and a man of principle. He also used the money to buy a house for his family and secure their financial future.
9. How did the film depict the hardships of the Great Depression?
The film effectively portrays the widespread poverty, unemployment, and desperation that characterized the Great Depression. Scenes of soup kitchens, breadlines, and evictions highlight the struggles faced by ordinary Americans. Braddock’s personal struggles are interwoven with the broader economic context, making his story even more compelling and relatable.
10. What is the significance of the title “Cinderella Man”?
The title “Cinderella Man” refers to the rags-to-riches story of James J. Braddock, mirroring the classic fairytale. Just like Cinderella, Braddock went from a position of hardship and obscurity to achieving great success and recognition. The title captures the unexpected and miraculous nature of his rise to the championship.
11. How did Braddock’s injury affect his boxing career?
The hand injury Braddock sustained significantly hampered his boxing career and led to his initial decline. He struggled to regain his form and was often forced to take on dangerous and low-paying fights to make ends meet. It was this injury that ultimately led him to the welfare system and the depths of despair.
12. What are the key takeaways from the movie Cinderella Man?
Cinderella Man offers several important lessons: the power of perseverance in the face of adversity, the importance of family and loyalty, and the enduring human spirit. It reminds us that even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, hope and determination can lead to extraordinary achievements. The film also highlights the historical context of the Great Depression and the struggles faced by ordinary Americans during that difficult period. Ultimately, it’s a story about redemption, resilience, and the unwavering belief in the possibility of a better future.