Cinderella Man is an inspirational film about the unlikely story of a boxer in the great depression. The film highlights several difficulties that an everyday individual might encounter during this time period, such as struggling with money, jobs, family, and food. The film is overall very effective in its portrayal of historical facts and contexts, and it does a great job of conveying emotion and drawing the audience in to the story. For example, the film goes to great lengths to show the shame felt by the main character at several points in his life. In addition, difficulties in finding work, Hoovervilles, and the impact of the radio are also highlighted, providing accurate historical context. However, there are some aspects of the plot that are embellished in order to be more entertaining, such as the portrayal of the main antagonist.

The most prevalent aspect of the great depression was the lack of money all across America. This, at its core, is the basis of the movie. Braddock fights to be able to provide for his family, not for glory or fame. This is shown by Braddock’s simple demeanor and neutral statements at the press conference. He is also pressured by his wife not to fight, but does anyway because he knows that that is the only real choice for the wellbeing of his family. The film also shows how many companies were forced to cut labor in order to reduce costs and remain afloat. Braddock has to try his luck every day at the docks to bring home some money to keep the utilities on at his house.

Family life is a huge part of the movie, and it is fairly accurately portrayed. Braddock is always motivated by his internal desire to provide for his own family. This motivation was true in the US for many men before the depression, and, for the most part, did not change during the depression. Braddock also feels great shame when he is forced to go the government for aid. The culture at the time was such that individuals felt like failures if they had to ask for aid. This is emphasized by the fact that Braddock repays what he borrowed later in the film. Another example of this shame is effectively portrayed when Braddock’s friend is forced to abandon his home because of his unemployment. Braddock’s friend leaves his family because of his poverty and moves to a Hooverville, which are shantytowns of unemployed people in major cities.

The rise of the prevalence of radio is also effectively shown in the film. Beginning in this time period, radio became a way to bring people together and organize the masses. Several people from the community come together in churches, bars, and houses to listen to Braddock’s fight.

The film is effective in its portrayal of life in the 1930s during the depression. It shows how there were few aspects of life that did not suffer for nearly everyone in the US. It does an especially good job of highlighting the type of shame and other emotions that might be felt by a man trying to provide for his family during this time period.