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The Fire Inside (PG-13)

Cast: Ryan Destiny, Brian Tyree Henry, De'Adre Aziza, Olunike Adeliyi

Release Date: December 25, 2024

Runtime: 1 hr. 49 mins.

Genre: Biopic, Drama

THE FIRE INSIDE is the inspirational true story of Claressa Shields, arguably the greatest female boxer of all time. Claressa, a high school Junior from Flint, Michigan, aided by her tough-love coach, Jason Crutchfield, pushes past all limitations to become the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing. But even at the pinnacle of success, Claressa has to reckon with the fact that not all dreams are created equal, and the real fight has only just begun.

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Review

Spoilers for those who don't know the true-life history of the protagonist's Olympic story.

For about an hour, The Fire Inside feels like a traditional boxing movie. Some of the elements - specifically those that relate to issues associated with a girl engaging in a "man's sport" - are atypical, although by no means unique. Most of the tropes are familiar. It's what happens after the Big Fight, which would normally be the climax of such a story, that gives this movie an added ingredient. Because, although Claressa Shields (Ryan Destiny) achieves her dream in the ring, the difficulties of her day-to-day life remain vexing and she learns a lesson about the gulf that can exist between fame and wealth. She also learns a few things about double-standards and sexism that exist in the sports world.

The Fire Inside mines similar territory to that tilled by Karyn Kusama's 2000 debut feature, Girlfight, although it has the advantage of being based on a true story. Nevertheless, thematic similarities and familiar plot points are hard to miss. As is inevitably the case for any "based on a true story" film, the screenplay embellishes the historical record to add drama without diluting the actual events or overly fictionalizing the central character. To this end, director Rachel Morrison (the longtime cinematographer making her feature film debut) and screenwriter Barry Jenkins (who previously wrote and directed Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk), elect to downplay the fight scenes. Although they are important to the storyline, The Fire Inside doesn't give them the full Rocky treatment (although there is a Rocky-inspired training montage to be found).

Existing as it does in the long shadows of Rocky and Girlfight, The Fire Within finds its identity in the post-2012 Olympics period as the lack of improvement of Claressa's life's circumstances result inform her decision to pursue a second gold medal. The movie's approach to the four years between London (in 2012) and Rio (in 2016) is to focus on the inequities in organized sports and Claressa's struggles to create her own image and be her own person rather than the over-glamorized version prized by advertisers.

The film's central relationship is between Claressa and her coach, Jason Crutchfield (Brian Tyree Henry, who replaced the originally cast Ice Cube). Jason provides a lifeline to Claressa as she channels her hostility and energy into boxing. He and his wife, Mickey (De'Adre Aziza), become de facto foster parents for the teenager when her mother, Jackie (Olunike Adeliyi), kicks her out of the house. (Her father is in prison.) When Claressa's boxing career trajectory points toward the Olympics, Jason has to step back. He lacks the funds to accompany her to China for the 2012 AIBA Women's World Boxing Championships and Claressa perceives his absence to be a betrayal. When she travels to London, Jason comes with her, although he is unable to officially coach her (he instead provides encouragement - and suggestions - from the stands).

The Fire Inside uses a couple of strong performances to bring the characters to life. Although better known as a recording star, Ryan Destiny shows strong acting chops. This is her third movie role and by far the highest profile title on her film/TV resume. Brian Tyree Henry, who has spent a lot of time in mainstream productions (including doing voice work), downshifts into a lower key as Jason, emphasizing the humanity of the character, who is more of a father figure to Claressa than a Mickey Goldmill to her Rocky Balboa.

Despite introducing some serious issues into the mix, The Fire Inside functions as a feel-good, inspirational story much in the sports movie tradition. The story focuses less on transforming any one particular opponent into a major villain (this is in keeping with the real-life Claressa's career) and more on honing the growing maturity of the protagonist. It doesn't break any molds but expertly crafts familiar material into an end product that will likely appeal to a wide audience.

© 2024 James Berardinelli

Synopsis

THE FIRE INSIDE is the inspirational true story of Claressa Shields, arguably the greatest female boxer of all time. Claressa, a high school Junior from Flint, Michigan, aided by her tough-love coach, Jason Crutchfield, pushes past all limitations to become the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing. But even at the pinnacle of success, Claressa has to reckon with the fact that not all dreams are created equal, and the real fight has only just begun.