The Fighter

David O Russell directs the based-on-a-true-story tale of a talented boxer (Mark Wahlberg) struggling to emerge from the clingy influence of his overbearing family and realise his true potential, Mark Wahlberg stars in David O Russell'sOscar-winning biopic of the American welterweight boxer Micky Ward. Ward grew up in the supremely tough working-class neighbourhood of Lowell, Massachusetts, and, in the 90s, aimed for the classic escape from that environment - via boxing. Indeed, his brother Dicky Eklund once showed promise in the sport - but that was a decade ago, before he succumbed to drug addiction. Now the elder sibling is Micky's coach and, keeping it in the family, his ferocious mother Alice (Melissa Leo) is acting as his manager. But do either of his 'support staff' have what it takes to unlock his full potential? Ward's girlfriend Charlene thinks not and is agitating for change. Will the good-natured pugilist put ambition before blood loyalty? Bale and Leo both picked up Academy Awards for their supporting roles in the drama.