If you're a fan of action-packed movies with a twist of deceit and corruption, then this collection is right up your alley. These films delve into the murky waters of fixed fights, where the line between sport and crime blurs, offering a thrilling ride through the underbelly of the fight game. From underground boxing rings to high-stakes wrestling matches, these films will keep you on the edge of your seat, questioning the integrity of every punch and kick.
Hard Times (1975)
Description: Charles Bronson stars as Chaney, a drifter who becomes involved in illegal bare-knuckle fighting, where the outcomes are often predetermined.
Fact: This was Walter Hill's directorial debut, and he wrote the script in just six weeks.
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Raging Bull (1980)
Description: While primarily a biopic of Jake LaMotta, the film touches on the darker aspects of boxing, including the manipulation of fights.
Fact: Robert De Niro gained 60 pounds for the role, and the film won two Academy Awards, including Best Actor for De Niro.
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Fight Club (1999)
Description: Although not strictly about fixed fights, the underground fight club in this film operates under its own set of rules, which could be seen as a form of match-fixing in a different context.
Fact: The film was adapted from Chuck Palahniuk's novel. Brad Pitt and Edward Norton did most of their own fighting, with minimal use of stunt doubles.
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The Hurricane (1999)
Description: This film, based on the life of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, explores the corruption in boxing, including fixed fights, that led to his wrongful conviction.
Fact: Denzel Washington was nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal of Carter.
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Snatch (2000)
Description: Guy Ritchie's crime comedy involves a diamond heist and a fixed boxing match, showcasing the underworld of London's fight scene.
Fact: Brad Pitt learned to speak with a Pikey accent for his role, which was so convincing that many thought he was actually from that background.
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Cinderella Man (2005)
Description: The story of James J. Braddock, who makes a comeback in the boxing world, touches on the manipulation of fights during the Great Depression era.
Fact: Russell Crowe trained for months to authentically portray Braddock's boxing style.
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The Fighter (2010)
Description: This film dives into the life of Micky Ward, a boxer whose career is influenced by his family's involvement in fixing fights. It's a gritty tale of redemption and the fight against corruption.
Fact: Mark Wahlberg trained for over a year to get into shape for his role as Micky Ward. The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards.
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The Wrestler (2008)
Description: While not directly about fixed fights, this film explores the life of a washed-up wrestler, Randy "The Ram" Robinson, who faces the harsh realities of the wrestling world, including the manipulation of matches.
Fact: Mickey Rourke, who plays Randy, was a former professional boxer, which added authenticity to his performance. The film won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.
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Bleed for This (2016)
Description: This film tells the true story of Vinny Pazienza, a boxer who comes back from a near-fatal car crash to fight again, with hints of the darker side of the sport, including fixed fights.
Fact: Miles Teller, who plays Pazienza, did most of his own stunts and boxing scenes.
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The Set-Up (1949)
Description: An aging boxer, Stoker Thompson, is unknowingly set up to take a dive in a fight, but he refuses, leading to a dramatic and intense match.
Fact: The film was shot in real-time, with the entire story unfolding in just 72 minutes, mirroring the duration of a boxing match.
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