Cinderella Man (2005, USA)

Aichi Insurance Physicians’ Newspaper

Layoffs, job loss, and unemployment—all are among the gravest sins of capitalism, thrusting ordinary people into the depths of despair. It has already been reported that nearly three million people in the United States are unemployed. Cinderella Man tells the story of one boxer who survived the Great Depression.

Jim Braddock (Russell Crowe), a once-promising boxer, was forced to retire in 1929 after an injury to his right hand cost him his winning streak. Around the same time, the Great Depression hit America. Struggling to make ends meet, Jim supported his wife Mae (Renée Zellweger) and their three children by taking on grueling physical labor for a meager daily wage—but even those jobs were hard to come by.

Then, one day, his former boxing manager Joe brought him an unexpected opportunity: a one-night comeback match against a rising star ranked second in the world. It was a fight he was unlikely to win, but needing the money, Jim ignored Mae’s concerns and stepped back into the ring. And then, a miracle happened. Strengthened by his physical labor, Jim’s left hook had become formidable—and against all odds, he won the match.

That victory reignited his career. With Joe working tirelessly to secure fights, Jim went on to defeat one tough opponent after another. Eventually, he earned the right to challenge the heavyweight world champion. Jim entered the ring before a massive crowd and, after a grueling 15-round battle, won a unanimous decision.

The phrase “talent will save you” proves true here. A retired boxer, toughened by labor, rises to become a champion—he’s the male version of Cinderella, the poor girl who becomes a princess. But in reality, not one in a million is granted such fortune.