It has also helped that he has actors on top of their game giving career best performances. It looks that in telling the Micky Ward story everyone involved in this project has tried to honour his life by raising their game. In addition to the two leads there are two other standout performances that help to make this film what it is: Amy Adams is fantastic as Micky’s girlfriend Charlene. Adams brings the right levels of feistiness and world weariness to make her barmaid and former college student believable and authentic. It really is a first-rate turn from the ever-reliable actress. The other notable turn is Melissa Leo as Micky and Dicky’s overprotective and controlling mother, Alice. Leo is clearly having the time of her life as the sharp tongued matriarch who dotes on her two sons who form part of a brood of nine children.

Critics will mention other boxing films such as ‘Rocky’ and ‘Raging Bull’ which is inevitable if a little misleading and annoying. ‘The Fighter,’ is more than just another boxing film. Rather it explores the relationship between Micky and his older brother who he both hero worships and struggles from under his shadow. Factor in a strong mother and five very loud and overbearing sisters and the audience can sympathise with Wahlberg’s portrayal of a man who has undoubted talent but feels sidelined and overlooked. When he first meets Charlene she refers to him as ‘a stepping stone for other boxers.’ This all clearly stings and thanks to a subtle, note perfect performance from Wahlberg we feel this too.

At the other end of the spectrum we have Bale’s electrifying turn as Dicky, a larger than life character who is battling his personal demons of an unfulfilled boxing career that peaked too quickly and drug addiction. He clearly loves his younger brother and trains him but he is also living in the past and can’t quite move on. There are many powerful and poignant scenes where we see Dicky’s struggle with crack addiction first hand. Again it is thanks to perhaps the finest method actor of our generation that audiences will empathise and be moved by Dicky’s plight (as well as cringe at the appropriate moments!) It is little wonder that Bale has been nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor (it’s just a shame that Wahlberg has been overlooked by the Academy as his portrayal of the mellower sibling is just as accomplished as Bale’s barnstorming turn (art imitating life?)).

Everyone involved in this project has clearly done their preparation and homework. Wahlberg totally convinces as a professional boxer and as a fan of boxing and familiar with the career of Micky Ward I still found myself sat on the edge of my seat during the fight scenes and wincing as the punishment was dished out.

What elevates this film above the ordinary is that you do not have to be knowledgeable or even a fan of the fight game to enjoy it. ‘The Fighter’ is more about broken dreams and ambitions, battling on through hard times and having to deal with personal issues like relationships and family to make it through. Audiences will in some way relate to this film and the themes it explores, especially family. And that is the real triumph here.

Stay around for the end credits where the real Micky and Dicky are interviewed together in their hometown of Lowell, Massachusetts (where much of the action is set) and you will see just how spot-on Wahlberg and Bale are in their portrayals of the brothers. For a slice of real life, movies don’t come any better than this!