Rocky Marciano (film)
Rocky Marciano is a 1999 television film directed by Charles Winkler and presented by MGM. It tells the story of the rise to fame of legendary boxer Rocky Marciano, played by Jon Favreau. Plot
The film shows Rocco's childhood through his fight with his hero Joe Louis. After the Louis fight it flashes forward to his post career, leading up to his death in a 1969 plane crash. The film is noted for its "...blow-by-blow account of the Marciano-Louis fight," that is presented as a turning point in Marciano's career. Cast

Production 
The story is based on a memoir by William Nack. In a interview given to Entertainment Weekly, Favreau explained that he had followed an intensive training to prepare himself for the role. The director of the film, Charles Winkler, is the son of Irwin Winkler, producer of the Rocky franchise. Reception 
The movie has received mostly mixed to bad reviews. Mick Martin and Marsha Porter, authors of A DVD & Video Guide - 2005, found the biopic "...perfectly portraying the spirit of the heavyweight. The events and characters are compelling and engaging..."

A review in Variety, only praised some aspects of the film including the acting and cinematography:

A review in TV guide was less praiseworthy, stating, "Favreau lands this production’s sole knockout punch: He captures both the undefeated heavyweight champ's outward bravado and inner insecurity. Fight fans will cheer the restaging of famous bouts, but the unconvincing performances of much of the cast undermines the drama." Richard Sandomir, writing for The New York Times, criticized extensively the film's lack of accuracy, judging it is a "docudrama that only occasionally lets truth stand in the way of the story. Awards and nominations
Canadian Society  of Cinematographers  Awards
 1999: Won, "Best Cinematography in TV Drama"

Motion Picture Sound Editors
 2000: Nominated, "Best Sound Editing - Television Movies and Specials - Effects & Foley"

See also
 List of boxing films

References

External links
 

1999 television films
1990s biographical films
1990s sports films
American biographical films
American boxing films
Canadian biographical films
Canadian boxing films
Biographical films about sportspeople
Cultural depictions of boxers
Cultural depictions of American men
Cultural depictions of Joe Louis
Rocky Marciano
English-language Canadian films
Films scored by Stanley Clarke
Films set in the 20th century
Films directed by Charles Winkler
1990s American films
1990s Canadian films