Boxer Movie Review: Not Memorable But Thoroughly Entertaining

This sports-drama film takes us back to 1995 when aspiring boxer Jedrzej flees communist Poland to realise his dreams. With only his wife by his side, Jedrzej grapples with the difficulties of being an immigrant in a new city while struggling to become the greatest fighter in the world. However, he finds his life changed forever when he agrees to join a fixed match.

With a runtime of 150 minutes, the film is written by Okorn, Lucas Coleman, Ivan Bezmarević and Maciej Kawulski.

Boxer Movie Review

With the background of running away from the hardships of Poland, we see a story of perseverance with a hint of humour that leaves us entertained. The Polish movie Bokser is paced quite well and the way the storyline flows is quite entertaining in an infectious way. There’s a feeling of adventure that keeps you intrigued, helped by the light-hearted background score to feel lively at every turn. The relationship between the characters, especially between Kasia & Jedrzej, as well as the latter’s backstory with his father and uncle form an emotional bond as well, keeping us hooked as we watch Jedrzej and Kasia realise that things are not going to be easy for them as immigrants in London.

Of course, the movie truly starts after he realises that things aren’t going to be as smooth sailing as it was back home and no one really cares about his boxing as much as he does. The struggle, the drive to follow his passions and the need to be something more than just another resident of the new country. This is where the film leaves behind the light-hearted vibes and gets into serious territories and also the time when Jedrzej starts to become an annoying character who, in spite of being knocked down a few pegs, apparently doesn’t understand where to draw the line.

I think it’s interesting to watch his ego shoot up to a point where he loses control of himself and what’s important to him. Although very distressing to watch a person go down these avenues, it’s also a little cliched to watch because every other movie that works on similar veins showcases something similar to this. I found the first half of the film to be quite an engaging affair but the more it moved towards the complexities of his life and showcased different conflicts, it became clear that the movie was going down tried and tested routes.

Regardless, the film is entertaining. Even when it is absolutely annoying, especially watching poor Kasia put up with his power-hungry husband’s stupid antics, the film navigates the political climate of the era with thorough delicacy, leaving audiences to get a taste of it but not drowning in a social critique either. The result is a dramatic and good-looking film that won’t be memorable but will be entertaining throughout its runtime. Speaking of which, I thought the runtime could’ve been shaved off a bit – 150 minutes felt just a smidge excessive.

Final Thoughts

There’s something really sad about Boxer that you can’t ignore. When the hardships hit and you know where the movie is going, you can’t help but feel some type of way for Kasia. Eryk Kulm is the perfect Jedrzej, you hate him because he plays him so well. But it’s Adrianna Chlebicka and Eryk Lubos who stole my heart because you can’t help but feel emotional for them. All in all, the movie will leave you feeling many different ways and although it’s not particularly memorable it’s thoroughly entertaining. It looks great, the cinematography is well done and along with the background score, delivers a good experience.

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