Carl Roberts 
Step into the ring this April at the BFI Southbank with a collection of classic boxing movies, including Jawbone, Rocky, and Raging Bull.
‘Stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit, for it’s when things seem worse, that you must not quit.’ – Ray Winstone
The unique ability of boxing as a spectacle to inspire generations of fighters is remarkable. It also constantly provides compelling narrative material for creative imaginations. This quality has proven to be as much of an influence on the sport as it has on cinema. Additionally, some of the greatest works of cinema have drawn on the drama, spectacle, and unrivalled emotion of the fight game. The iconography and human storytelling in such films have inspired generations of boxers across nations and identities. These elements continue to inspire many today.
The BFI Southbank has unveiled a season of classic boxing films, named The Cinematic Life Of Boxing. These films explore how cinema, through a boxing lens, has presented stories of love, triumph, personal struggle, racial injustice, politics – national and regional – class identity, disability, the human spirit, and beyond.
FOUR OF THE BEST ON OFFER
Jawbone + Q&A with actor and writer Johnny Harris
Thu 16 April 18:15 | NFT1
A former youth boxing champion, having hit rock bottom, returns to his childhood boxing club in Thomas Q. Napper’s powerful drama.
Raging Bull
1-19 Apr
Martin Scorsese’s biopic depicts the life of legendary Bronx boxer Jake LaMotta. His ascent to the world championship in the 1940s was undermined by violence outside the ring and a fractious personal life. This film is a masterpiece on many levels – sound, editing, cinematography, and direction. Moreover, there is an era-defining performance by De Niro. Raging Bull is an extraordinary study in masculinity, violence, and the search for redemption. It captures the determination that drove LaMotta to boxing glory inside the ring. Meanwhile, it also shows the rage that dismantled his life outside it.
TwentyFourSeven + Q&A with director Shane Meadows (work permitting)
Tue 21 Apr 18:15 | NFT1
Shane Meadows’ directorial feature debut chronicles the lives of a group of working-class youths. Their lives are transformed through their involvement with a local boxing club.
Rocky + intro by season curator Dr Clive Chijioke Nwonka
Thu 30 April 18:00 | NFT1
This Oscar-winning drama finds a journeyman boxer from Philadelphia with a surprise shot at the heavyweight world championship.
These films and more await you when you step into the ring this April with The Cinematic Life Of Boxing season at the BFI Southbank. For the full programme and to book your tickets, go here.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
