The Fire Inside (2024)

[BluBonnet]

This movie just showed up at TIFF and there's already talk of a potential Oscar for Brian Tyree Henry.

Can't wait to watch.

‘The Fire Inside’ Sparks Oscar Buzz for Brian Tyree Henry at TIFF

Following in the footsteps of Oscar-nominated boxing coaches like Paul Giamatti in “Cinderella Man” and Burgess Meredith in “Rocky,” Brian Tyree Henry could make another trip to the Oscars for his standout role as Jason Crutchfield in the uplifting and inspirational drama “The Fire Inside.” Henry portrays the coach who trains Claressa Shields, the first female boxer to win an Olympic gold medal.

The film, produced by Amazon MGM, made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on Saturday afternoon before a sold-out crowd. Debut director Rachel Morrison, who made history as the first woman nominated for an Academy Award for cinematography with Mudbound (2017), introduced the film. She later joined a post-screening Q&A alongside producer Elishia Holmes, writer and producer Barry Jenkins, and stars Ryan Destiny and Henry. Also present were the actual Claressa Shields and her coach, Jason Crutchfield.

Henry, who received his first Oscar nomination for “Causeway” in 2022, delivers a performance full of wisdom and introspection. During the screening, he earned at least two rounds of applause. With a relatively thin field in this year’s supporting actor race, Henry could be a strong contender.

Jenkins, who won an Oscar for adapted screenplay for the best picture winner “Moonlight,” writes a layered script that goes beyond Shields’ athletic accomplishments, addressing the challenges she faced after winning her medal. The film tackles issues like pay inequality and gender discrimination in sports, offering a deeper narrative about the struggles of female athletes.

[BluBonnet]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFyNvUmJzmE

[mwynn]

‘The Fire Inside’ Review: Ryan Destiny and Brian Tyree Henry Give Knockout Performances in Barry Jenkins-Penned Boxing Drama
Cinematographer Rachel Morrison makes her directorial debut with this chronicle of the career of two-time Olympic gold medal-winner Claressa Shields.



https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/mo..._term=10028177

[BluBonnet]

[mwynn]

[Show spoiler]

Originally Posted by BluBonnet

I wish they would make more original movies.

[BluBonnet]

Rated PG-13 for some strong language, thematic elements, and brief suggestive material.

[BluBonnet]

An Emotional Boxing Biopic Overcame an Early Knockdown

For three months, Ryan Destiny had trained to portray Claressa Shields, the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing, in the biopic “The Fire Inside.” There was a screenplay by Barry Jenkins, the director of “Moonlight,” and an Oscar-nominated cinematographer, Rachel Morrison, making her feature directorial debut.

But after two days of filming in March 2020, production was halted because of the coronavirus pandemic. Universal Pictures ultimately decided to drop the movie.

When Destiny learned about the studio’s decision, she cried.

“I was so heartbroken because I know how rare an opportunity like this is,” said Destiny, 29, who was previously on the television series “Star” and “Grown-ish.” “And I just felt like, ‘Of course this will happen when I finally get in the door a little bit with a role that is so vulnerable and raw and real and will touch people.’”

About four years after the movie was dropped, “The Fire Inside” — now distributed by Amazon MGM Studios — is set to release in theaters on Christmas. It premiered in September at the Toronto International Film Festival, which can help give a movie buzz entering awards season.

[AnthonyGG]

Saw this one this afternoon. Straightforward but mostly non-sentimental biopic that works on just about every level. Word has it some of the family drama was softened a bit and yes, that I could tell, but otherwise a winner in my eyes. Really enjoyed this one. The cast brings it home and first time director Morrison moves things along at a good clip.

[russweiss1]

The first 2/3 of the film is very strong.

[Show spoiler]It slowed down once the 2012 Olympics were over.

My wife doesn't go with me to the theater very often but she saw the trailer and wanted to see this. Both of us enjoyed it. 7/10.