Price of Glory

Price of Glory is an engaging drama sport movie that was released in the year 2000. This powerful film brilliantly melds the worlds of boxing and family drama into an intense narrative that leaves viewers captivated till the very end. The commanding performances by a star-studded cast featuring Jimmy Smits, Maria del Mar, and Jon Seda are sure to leave viewers on the edge of their seats and provide an emotional and riveting viewing experience.

In Price of Glory, Jimmy Smits plays the central character of Arturo Ortega, a father with a deep-rooted passion for boxing. Once being an aspiring boxer himself, he dreams of glory and success in the ring which he couldn't attain due to the circumstances. Unfulfilled in his ambitions, Arturo becomes adamant about living vicariously through his children, whom he trains to become ace boxers. He is married to the elegant and steadfast Rita Ortega, expertly played by Maria del Mar.

The story picks up when Arturo Ortega's boxing career doesn't go as planned. Rather than throwing in the towel, he clings to his dreams, believing that his own failure doesn't have to reflect on his sons' future. He decides to pour his hopes into his three boys: Jimmy (Clifton Collins Jr.), Sonny (Jon Seda), and Johnny (Ernesto Hernandez), grooming them in the art of boxing.

Jimmy, the oldest, is a natural in the ring, but his heart does not seem to be in boxing as firmly as his father's. Sonny, the middle child, is the most wholly invested and possesses the most raw talent. Meanwhile, Johnny, though young, takes a shine to the world of boxing under his father's wing. Their mother Rita, although initially supportive of Arturo's dreams, becomes skeptical as the boys' lives revolve more and more around boxing.

Price of Glory also delves into the dreams and aspirations of each son. They juggle the heavy demands of their father's training with their own aspirations and relationships. The inherent clash between beloved family traditions, personal dreams, and the harsh realities of an intensely competitive sport fuels a crucial part of the narrative.

Arturo's dream of turning his sons into champion boxers leads him down some questionable paths. This includes exploiting the unforgiving world of professional boxing for the pursuit of money and fame, necessarily pitting the father's quest for glory against the well-being of his sons. As Arturo pushes his sons into professional boxing, they're forced to make difficult decisions about family loyalty and their own ambitions.

Jimmy Smits gives a spellbinding performance as Arturo Ortega, capturing the struggles of a failed boxer yearning for vicarious success through his sons. His intense drive and raw passion are palpable in every scene, as is his heartfelt love for his family, making as the character of Arturo Ortega as complex as he is compelling. Maria del Mar, as Rita Ortega, complements Jimmy Smits perfectly, providing a powerful portrayal of a mother's love and concern shadowed by the increasing intensity of boxing in her sons' lives.

Directed by Carlos Avila, Price of Glory is as much a sports movie as it is an intense family drama. While the boxing scenes are authentically crafted and adrenaline-pumping, it's the deeply emotional family moments that leave a lasting impression. Avila manages to capture the gritty reality of boxing and the push-and-pull dynamic of a traditional Latino family, giving a fair representation of both.

The movie takes viewers on an emotional journey, portraying the harsh realities of boxing along with the dynamics of a family dealing with their relationship with boxing. The heartfelt storyline reinforces the idea that the pursuit of personal ambition should never come at the cost of family. It's balanced by an engaging narrative and stellar performances ensure that Price of Glory is a must-watch film for boxing enthusiasts and drama film lovers alike. This movie is truly a knock-out in the world of sports dramas.