Cinderella Man: The Great Depression in Film

The movie is about James J Braddock who rises from a poor, unsuccessful boxer to the heavyweight boxing champion of the world. The historical background to his life and to his boxing carrier is the time period around the American Great Depression. Braddock's character represents the ups and downs of the United States at that time. Following his struggles the viewer can get a glimpse of how most Americans lived at the time of the Great Depression, see their everyday battle for food, jobs, shelter, and see how ordinary people coped with the economic downturn.

At the beginning of the movie Braddock was living in a stylish house, had stocks and he was earning good money as a boxer. On October 29, 1929, when the Stock market crashed Braddock's and his family's life drastically changed. He not only lost all his investments but because of his physical injuries Braddock could not fight in the ring any longer. His boxing license was revoked and he was forced to try to find another job, which was almost impossible at the time. Braddock seemed to lose control of his life, just like most Americans did at the time. The Depression had tremendous social and psychological impact on most people. However, moral values and family values did not seem to change in spite of all hardships. When Braddock's son stole meat from the butcher Braddock returned the meat to the store and explained it to his son that he cannot steal, no matter what. Braddock showed that his moral values did not change even when he and his family was starving, he still had the strength to remain honest. Not only his morals remained intact during the very difficult times, but also his family life was surprisingly just as good if not better than during the good times. No matter what happened he saved his loving, respectful relationship with his wife and his children. His children and his wife were always waiting for him at the door after each fight with compassion and they laughed and cried together. His family ties were very strong, they stood behind him every step on his way to success and probably he can thank his family for what he had accomplished.

The viewer could also see how rich people acted at the time. Braddock's boss quickly got rid of him after he became useless because of his injuries. Braddock's loyalty did not mean any value to him. Even when Braddock and his family were on the verge of becoming homeless and starving, his former employer helped them out reluctantly only with a few cents. When Braddock's manager told him he had no heart, he said that his heart belonged to his family and the rest of it was strictly hard, cold business. The strong wins the weak loses. However in the movie Braddock proved that this conception is not entirely true. With some help most people can regain their strength to stand up again and not only that but to give back the help they received, as Braddock did at the financial assistance office. At the lowest time of his life he reluctantly applied for assistance. As most Americans he felt ashamed and took him a long time to be able to accept help. In fact he repaid the money to the government after he got his life in order.

Braddock's manager proved to be his real friend who helped him to get a second chance. He sold his own furniture to finance Braddock's training because he believed in his comeback. Braddock got a second chance to prove himself and fight again. He not only won that fight but also all the following fights and he went all the way to becoming the heavyweight boxing champion of the world.

This movie captured the depression era when hopelessness was reality and hope was only a dream out of reach. Yet Braddock with the help of his family, friends, and his fans realized the dream of many. He got out of life's trouble with hard work, with faith and help from others who believed in him. Just like America - with the help of the President of the United States Franklin D Roosevelt who gave work to the unemployed, reformed businesses and financial practices - managed to overcome the difficulties and challenges of the time.