Russell Crowe is a well-known actor, and his rise to fame was quick after his impressive role in the Australian crime thriller Romper Stomper. This film helped Crowe earn the attention of both critics and audiences alike. From there, he starred in several highly acclaimed movies.
Crowe won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Maximus in Gladiator, directed by Ridley Scott, which also won Best Picture. He received nominations for his performances in The Insider, a conspiracy thriller directed by Michael Mann, and A Beautiful Mind, a biographical drama directed by Ron Howard.
Crowe often played characters who were morally complex and emotionally withdrawn, but he delivered his most heartfelt performance in the boxing drama Cinderella Man, also directed by Howard.
Cinderella Man is a film based on the real-life story of James J. Braddock, a longshoreman of Irish descent living in New Jersey. Braddock had once dreamed of being a successful boxer, but those dreams were shattered when he suffered a serious wrist injury early in his career.
Now working hard as a manual laborer to provide for his wife Mae (played by Renée Zellweger) and their children, Braddock struggles with the hardships of life during the Great Depression. Money is tight, and Braddock has no desire to return to the ring. However, his former manager Joe Gould (played by Paul Giamatti) convinces him to do one more fight, promising him that it will be worth it financially.
To Braddock’s surprise, he wins the fight, and his victory moves the crowd, inspiring hope during such a tough time. The idea of a man from humble beginnings fighting his way to success resonates deeply with the audience. Soon, Braddock finds himself fighting for the heavyweight boxing title and earning the nickname “The Cinderella Man.”
Still from the movie (Amazon Prime)
The movie Cinderella Man touches on the challenges an athlete faces when representing a community. At first, Braddock’s decision to return to the boxing ring is purely out of necessity—he needs to feed his family. He has no interest in fame or glory. Yet, his modesty and the fact that he represents the struggles of everyday Americans make him a symbol of hope during one of the toughest times in U.S. history.
Braddock realizes that he stands for something greater than his own happiness. He is willing to sacrifice his personal desires for the good of his community, knowing that his success could inspire others.
This theme of Americans finding inspiration in extraordinary individuals is a recurring idea in many of Ron Howard’s films, such as Apollo 13 and The Paper. However, it is especially powerful in Cinderella Man because it follows the familiar beats of an inspirational sports movie but with deeper emotional resonance.
Cinderella Man is not just a boxing movie. It also tells a compelling family story. It’s easy to compare this film to other boxing classics like Rocky or The Fighter, but Cinderella Man focuses just as much on family dynamics. Typically, boxing films don’t give much attention to female characters, but Mae, Braddock’s wife, plays an important role in humanizing him.
Mae struggles with fear and anxiety about her husband’s safety, often finding it too difficult to watch him fight. She recognizes, however, the importance of what he’s doing for their family and their future. The film also portrays touching moments between Braddock and his son, Jay (played by Connor Price).
Early in the film, Braddock catches Jay stealing, but instead of just punishing him, Braddock takes the opportunity to teach his son about understanding the consequences of his actions. These moments bring a tenderness to the film that enhances its emotional impact.
Still from the movie (Amazon Prime)
The relationship between Braddock and his manager, Joe Gould, is another key aspect of the film. Many sports movies don’t focus on the bond between a boxer and his manager, but in Cinderella Man, this relationship is important.
Crowe and Giamatti have excellent on-screen chemistry, which brings their characters’ connection to life. Gould knows how to push Braddock, understanding what motivates him, but he also deeply cares for him, almost like a family member.
Giamatti’s performance was so impressive that Crowe urged the studio to support him for awards consideration, which led to Giamatti receiving his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Ron Howard is known for telling stories about real-life heroes who overcome great challenges, and Cinderella Man is one of his strongest films in this regard. While Howard may not be considered a flashy director with a distinct visual style, he excels at crafting films that connect with audiences on an emotional level. Cinderella Man is a prime example of this.
It’s an old-fashioned crowd-pleaser that knows how to touch viewers’ hearts. Howard’s focus on the human side of the story, rather than just the boxing action, makes this film stand out. The movie shows that Braddock’s greatest victories are not just in the ring but in his relationships with those around him and his willingness to fight for something greater than himself.
In Cinderella Man, Howard proves once again that he is a master at telling uplifting true stories. The film offers more than just entertainment—it gives viewers a reason to reflect on the importance of perseverance, sacrifice, and hope.
Braddock’s journey is a reminder that, even in the darkest times, the human spirit can rise above adversity. His story continues to inspire audiences today, as it did for those who witnessed it during the Great Depression. Howard’s careful direction, Crowe’s emotionally layered performance, and Giamatti’s standout supporting role all contribute to making Cinderella Man a film that resonates deeply with viewers.
Season 2 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has come to an end, and although many things were lost, hope remains alive. While some storylines, like The Stranger’s (Daniel Weyman) and Arondir’s (Ismael Cruz Córdova), may not have moved as far as some fans hoped, each character and plot has taken a step forward.
These events have opened doors for new questions and challenges, setting the stage for a potential Season 3. The characters are left with fresh struggles and tasks as they move forward. Let’s take a look at how Season 2 wrapped up and where it leaves the people of Middle-earth.
Durin Faces Challenges as the New King of Khazad-dûm
Durin (Owain Arthur) has faced a big shift in his life. With his father, Durin III (Peter Mullan), being killed by the balrog, Durin is now the king of Khazad-dûm. He is also now in possession of the seven Dwarven rings, giving him great power, but also bringing new difficulties.
Before dying, his father left him with an important message, telling him that he was always becoming stronger. But this strength will be tested more than ever now.
Durin faces a number of challenges. The balrog remains a dangerous threat, still lurking, and his brother has started to gather support to challenge Durin’s claim to the throne. Durin’s initial wish was to help the elves fleeing from Eregion, showing his kind and generous nature.
However, many other Dwarven lords are not happy with this idea. They want the tributes they had sent to Durin’s father to be returned, causing tension. Durin’s control over the seven rings could stir even more conflict, possibly becoming the root of serious problems within the Dwarven world.
The Stranger Finds His Staff and Reveals His True Name
The Stranger’s journey reached a significant moment in the finale of Season 2. After a tense confrontation with the Dark Wizard (Ciaran Hinds), he saved the Stoors from a great danger. However, this victory led to him and Nori (Markella Kavenagh) going separate ways.
Nori had her responsibilities to help the Stoors, while The Stranger had his own path to follow. Despite their differences, The Stranger believes that their paths are different because they are not the same type of being. However, Nori reassures him that they are not so different after all.
While one is a wizard and the other a Harfoot, they both share the weight of their duties, and both feel the same pull of darkness they must fight against.
The Stranger then makes his way back to Tom Bombadil (Rory Kinnear) after finding his staff. In a major moment for the fans, we finally learn The Stranger’s real name: Gandalf. The long journey to this reveal may have seemed unnecessary, but it now puts to rest many of the wild fan theories.
Still from The Rings of Power (Credit: Prime Video)
While the mystery of his identity is now solved, new challenges await him. The Dark Wizard had earlier told Gandalf to find him once he had remembered who he truly was.
Although we still don’t know exactly who the Dark Wizard is, it looks like Gandalf, the Dark Wizard, and possibly Tom Bombadil, are headed for a serious conflict in the future.
Númenor Falls, and Elendil Flees to Find Allies
The events in Númenor took a dark turn as well. Despite Míriel (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) surviving her trial and being declared innocent, Ar Pharazôn (Trystan Gravelle) can manipulate the people of Númenor. He uses a letter, which is likely forged, to convince the people that Míriel has been working with Sauron (Charlie Vickers).
While this change in events feels rushed, it does prepare the groundwork for Elendil (Lloyd Owen) to step into a larger role. Elendil is given Narsil, the blade later used to cut the One Ring from Sauron’s fingers, as seen in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring prologue.
Ordered by Míriel to leave without her, Elendil flees Númenor and heads west. His goal is to find more faithful Númenorians, including his other son, Anárion. These events mark the first real steps in Elendil’s journey to eventually establish Gondor and Arnor.
This is consistent with Tolkien’s lore, which is mainly covered in The Silmarillion. However, Isildur (Maxim Baldry) appears to be heading back to Númenor, leaving fans to wonder how father and son will reunite.
Theo’s People Face Challenges Under Kemen’s Command
Theo (Tyroe Muhafidin) and his people in Pelargir await Elendil’s eventual arrival, but the current situation is tense. Kemen (Leon Wadham) is now in charge of Pelargir, and his leadership quickly becomes problematic.
Still from The Rings of Power (Credit: Prime Video)
Shortly after arriving, Kemen breaks the deal Theo’s people had made with Míriel, a deal that promised supplies and food. Instead, Kemen orders that the “low people” can only remain if they contribute timber to Pelargir.
He plans to turn Pelargir into a settlement for Númenorian soldiers. Kemen seems to care little for the people’s concerns, telling them, “they’re only trees,” about the timber they are asked to collect.
This presents a tough dilemma for the people of Pelargir, especially after the earlier Ent attack this season. They now understand that the trees they are being asked to chop down are sentient. The consequences of cutting down these trees could be severe, and the people are well aware of this.
Kemen, meanwhile, continues to make himself more disliked in each scene. Theo, who had been showing signs of personal growth, now faces more difficulties.
After starting to heal from the grief over his mother Bronwyn’s (Nazanin Boniadi) death and bonding with Isildur, Theo may feel desperate to help his people under Kemen’s harsh rule. This desperation could potentially lead him into Sauron’s clutches, fueling fan theories that Theo could become one of the Nine.
Sauron Grows More Powerful, But He Is Still Alone
Sauron has gained more power throughout Season 2, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he is content. Everything has gone in Sauron’s favor, but he seems less satisfied than ever.
After Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards) refuses to reveal the location of the nine rings, Sauron kills him. However, Celebrimbor manages to get under Sauron’s skin before his death. He foretells that one person will be Sauron’s undoing, a prophecy that clearly bothers Sauron.
Later, Sauron orders Glûg (Robert Strange) to betray Adar (Sam Hazeldine), killing their own father on Sauron’s command. The Uruks, who had believed that siding with Sauron would give them an easier life, realize they were wrong. Glûg is killed as soon as he questions Sauron’s orders, showing just how ruthless Sauron truly is.
Still from The Rings of Power (Credit: Prime Video)
Despite gaining control of the Nine and defeating the elves of Eregion, Sauron still seems haunted by the words of Celebrimbor and Galadriel (Morfydd Clark). They seem to have reminded him of his deep loneliness.
In a particularly symbolic moment, Sauron holds Feanor’s hammer while Poppy’s (Megan Richards) voice narrates the phrase, “build something new.” This leaves Sauron at a crossroads, with important decisions to make about his future and the fate of Middle-earth.
The Elves Survive to Fight Another Day
The elves also face major challenges, but they live to fight on. With the help of the Dwarven legions, the elves manage to flee Eregion. Galadriel confronts Sauron, and the two engage in a fierce battle. Sauron uses all the tricks he can to manipulate Galadriel, transforming into Halbrand, Celebrimbor, and even Galadriel herself.
The fight reaches a dramatic point when Sauron stabs Galadriel with Morgoth’s crown. At this moment, it seems like Sauron has won and broken her will. He demands that Galadriel give him her Elven ring, Nenya.
Instead of giving in, Galadriel makes a bold choice. She throws herself off a cliff rather than surrendering the ring. Despite falling from a great height, her main injury is the wound from Morgoth’s crown. Gil-Galad’s (Benjamin Walker) ring is unable to heal the injury.
However, Elrond (Robert Aramayo) uses one of the Elven rings, Nenya, to save her life. Galadriel later wakes up, dressed in pure white, similar to her appearance in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings films.
The elves have found safety in a valley that Elrond describes as “protected” by the Elven rings. Fans will recognize this place as Rivendell. As Galadriel, Gil-Galad, and Elrond discuss their next moves, they wonder how they can oppose Sauron now that he has everything he needs to destroy Middle-earth.
Galadriel recalls Celebrimbor’s words, which said that it is light, not strength, that can defeat darkness. This gives her renewed hope. Together, Galadriel, Gil-Galad, and Elrond silently vow to continue fighting, even as the darkness of Sauron looms over them.
Still from The Rings of Power (Credit: Prime Video)
In The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 finale, characters face new challenges while hope persists. Durin becomes king but faces internal conflict and external threats. The Stranger reveals his true name, Gandalf, and go on his journey.
Númenor falls under manipulation, and Elendil flees. Sauron grows more powerful but remains haunted by loneliness. Galadriel, injured by Sauron, sparks hope for the elves, promising they will continue their fight against darkness.
