Boxing isn’t about how hard you hit, as the old Rocky saying goes, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keeping moving forward. It’s an adage that will ring true for Billy “The Great” Hope (Jake Gyllenhaal) in Southpaw, a down-on-his-luck fighter who must overcome a family tragedy in order to win back custody of his daughter.
As with most of these underdog stories, it’s an arc that will see Gyllenhaal’s character enter the ring once more for the so-called “fight of his life.” But beyond the familiar narrative, there’s certainly reason to be excited for the upcoming drama. For one, Training Day‘s Antoine Fuqua is in the director’s chair, with Forest Whitaker, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, and Rachel McAdams rounding out Southpaw‘s ensemble cast.
Moreover, the film’s first trailer showcases a gripping and intense character piece, with Gyllenhaal’s Billy rising from the depths of despair in order to fight for what he holds most important: his young daughter. Could this be the film that bags him an Oscar for leading role? Time will tell.
Jake Gyllenhaal will step into the ring one last time when Southpaw arrives in theaters on July 31. For now, let us know what you make of the film’s early Oscar credentials in the comments section below.
From director Antoine Fuqua (TRAINING DAY) and writers Kurt Sutter (SONS OF ANARCHY) and Richard Wenk (THE MECHANIC) comes SOUTHPAW – the story of Billy “The Great” Hope, Junior Middleweight Boxing Champion of the World. When tragedy strikes and he loses it all, Billy enters the battle of his life as he struggles to become a contender once again and win back those he loves. SOUTHPAW stars Academy Award® nominee Jake Gyllenhaal, Academy Award® winner Forest Whitaker, Rachel McAdams, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Rita Ora, Naomie Harris and Victor Ortiz. In theaters July 2015.
