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This film features a impressive cast, telling the true story of Irish boxing trainer Brendan Ingle, who guided a cheeky Yorkshire youth from Middle Eastern migrant family. Known as “Prince” Naseem Hamed, the youngster was coached to stand up to racist bullies and molded into a celebrity world champion in the late 90s. Ingle cultivated his flamboyant confidence and lethal fists, but after becoming rich, the boxer betrayed his mentor, excluding him and making him a mix of Falstaff and Broadway Danny Rose.

Performers and Roles

Brosnan portrays Ingle; El-Masry embodies the part of the prince, and Stephens is the bullish promoter Warren, who recognized the goldmine that the coach had discovered.

Film’s Shortcomings

However, the movie honestly lacks the fighter’s fancy footwork: the fight scenes run smoothly, but the all-important drama between them is consistently dull and one-note. There is no subtlety or contrast in the depiction of the protagonist himself, and the actor, an otherwise excellent talent, doesn’t get the opportunity to show any subtlety or much of what might make his role truly engaging – although he’s obviously been working out and appears convincing in the ring.

Dialogue and Music Issues

The drama is often burdened by functional, explanatory dialogue that tell you precisely what is going on and what we are supposed to be thinking (“Your journey began your boxing journey at seven years old …”). It is the sort of dialogue that digital producers call “second-screen”, making sure you understand what’s going on while you’re viewing the movie but also checking your phone. Additionally, the score is overbearing, sometimes almost deafening, especially in the moment where Hamed gets too excited visiting Warren in his luxurious home.

Acting and Pivotal Scenes

While the leads do their very utmost, their dynamic never really comes to life, and the major boxing moments are frequently disappointingly cut short. A key moment is certainly when, provoked beyond endurance in the gym one day by the boxer as a delusional “old man”, the trainer in fact proposes to step into the ring and box him. Everyone in the gym is stunned and uncomfortable. In what way is this insanely risky confrontation going to play out? What will be the outcome? Certainly the champion is going to defeat him? Or will he emotionally pull his punches? It’s not clear.

Bright Spots and Comedy

That’s not to say that there aren’t some good moments. Brosnan gets laughs when Ingle tells a journalist what he’s teaching the kids from his neighborhood: to reject prejudice and when you encounter a offender, “Punch him in the groin”. It’s funny too when the boxer squirms at the ridiculous antics the coach makes him do in the beginning: posing as the “monster from the East”.

Plot and Conclusion

As for the falling out, the film depicts this as being exacerbated by a tell-all book that Ingle is allegedly authored (a plot point clearly modified from another source), and there is an interestingly imagined last discussion – however the emotional tribute that Hamed is reportedly given to his mentor after his death is only referenced in the closing credits, and not shown on film. Some engaging content here, but the punches don’t land.

Giant was shown at the London film festival and is available in UK and Irish cinemas from January 9.