Cinderella Man is an exemplary film from Ron Howard that's based on the true life story of Jim Braddock, a man who endures strife during the Depression Era like most others, but through his boxing becomes a symbol of hope and triumph over adversity to the American people. Crowe's Braddock is the ultimate example of a man who goes from nothing to something, working his way up from an impoverished unknown to become the heavyweight champ. What's so great about this performance is that it demands a real dual quality of the actor; he is required to at once portray a personable every-man but also convey the more physically commanding aspects of the character in the ring. A good movie is elevated to become a great one through Crowe's steely portrayal, braced perfectly between the poles of tender emotion and pure, visceral power.