Body and Soul Reviews

A classy winner

Somewhere or other I read that this was a great boxing movie. I was a little wary (if it is so good how is it I've never heard of it?), but it is a fine film. The plot is melodramatic, but John Garfield is terrific as the boxer and Lilli Palmer is so sexy! William Conrad breathes life and complexity into the small-time manager. Shot in crisp, contrasty black and white each scene smokes with tension and testosterone. The big fight finale is superb: gripping and utterly believable.

Of course, Body and Soul is of its time and. by today's standards, elements seem a little stilted and hammy. If it's not quite Raging Bull - it's a good film: and it's probable that without this film to show the way there would have been no Raging Bull.

[Highly rated reviewer]

shadow boxing

Having avoided any films 'about boxing' I was recommended this by an older friend who saw it when it wsa first released. A fine film - beautifully shot, well acted, more to say about society at the time than the sport - perhaps I should give Raging Bull a chance!

I want you to be respected. I want you to become a teacher.

Another great performance from John Garfield in this powerful pugilistic drama which uses boxing to denounce capitalism and the falsehood of the American Dream. Garfield becomes a boxing champ to help his impoverished mother but with success comes cheap broads, crooked promotors and late night temptations. The fight scenes, filmed on roller skates using a hand held camera and so admired by Martin Scorcese when making Raging Bull, adds a realism which strengthen the film's standing as a classic.

I want you to be respected. I want you to become a teacher.

Another great performance from John Garfield in this powerful pugilistic drama which uses boxing to denounce capitalism and the falsehood of the American Dream. Garfield becomes a boxing champ to help his impoverished mother but with success comes cheap broads, crooked promotors and late night temptations. The fight scenes, filmed on roller skates using a hand held camera and so admired by Martin Scorcese when making Raging Bull, adds a realism which strengthen the film's standing as a classic.

[Highly rated reviewer]

a contender for sure

A boxer is waiting before an important bout which his manager/promotor has told him to lose and looks back upon the path that lead him there. A tale of how corruption can infect the simplest of activities like trying to knock someone out as painfully as possible. It shows the ups and downs, the hard working parents, the close friend, the girl next door type girl and the good time girl. Its fair bit of hokum but stands up well to films like Rocky and well above the sequels and the fight scenes are a lot maore authentic. Good for boxing and drama fans.