If you miss this documentary, it’s not because I didn’t tell you about it. Fast moving, totally compelling and a winning production team brings one of the best life films to the screen that inspires, informs and impresses. “In boxing you never lose, you either learn or win”. This film does cut to the core of the fight to become someone that makes a difference in the inner-city and in the ring. Cradle of Champions is a must see! Now on VOD and DVD.
The film follows three young people in New York City who vie to change their lives by fighting for a chance at the big prize of winning the Golden Gloves belt. Nisa Rodriguez, a 24-year-old five time champion wants to win one more time to equal what only three women have attained. She has worked hard in the ring at the local gym and her trainer keeps her in focus. It’s more than just a challenge for Nisa, it’s her way of showing her young son that she can succeed as he may someday.
James Wilkins has won the golden gloves before, but winning a second time will put him in a position to enter the pros for a big take home pay. He’s determined to beat all comers and his trainer, Pat Russo feels he has the best chance for this year’s belt in the middle weight division. But to get there he has to beat the best the city has to offer, including fighters who are in his same position for a pro chance.
Titus Williams has already made a bid for the championship of the middle weight Golden Gloves belt, but has failed in the final bout. He’s back and wants to win a chance at the elusive title. Backed by trainer Joe Higgins, one of the most notable in the city, Williams should be the best to take on Wilkins in the 132 pound class. If he does make to the finals, it will be the fight to the finish for both.
Director Bill Battle follows the three fighters as they face components through the maze of contenders. He takes his cameras into their homes, their work in the community to encourage others, gym workouts, boxing ring and with family members, showing it real for all to see. Battle gives his audience a look at their past, then it’s on to the ring were each of the three contenders fight in their quest to the top is shown. Even with the head gear and their brawn you can see the beating and blows that wreak havoc on their bodies and the close up cameras tell the whole story.
In America’s inner cities the film shows a way the gyms are keeping the kids off the streets and out of gangs like the Latin Kings, Bloods, and Crips. Most of the teens get into the ring to work off their angst, excessive energy and trying to forget something bad that has happened in the past. The benefits include building their bodies, a possible future in boxing and like those that work out at Joe Higgins gym, learn life lessons by his gym rules “Justice”, Temperance”, “Citizenship”, “Fortitude”, and “Prudence”.
Cradle of Champions has been rated TV-14 and contains boxing forcefulness and some language. The film has been released in DVD and is also available on VOD so check the listings of your television server.
FINAL ANALYSIS: An excellent film with amazing filmmaking. (5 out of 5 Stars)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Nisa Rodriguez, James Wilkins, Titus Williams, Joe Higgins, Pat Russo
Directed by: Battle Bull
Genre: Sports, Documentary
MPAA Rating: TV-14
Running Time: 1 hr. 40 min.
Opening Date: March 19, 2019
Distributed by: Showtime
Released in: VOD
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
