Somebody Up There Likes Me

"Somebody Up There Likes Me" is a classic slice of American cinema from 1956. It is best classified as a biographical drama, directed by Robert Wise, famed for timeless classics such as "The Sound of Music" and "West Side Story". Also indicative of the film's cinematic pedigree is the leading man, Paul Newman, a pivotal figure in the history of Hollywood.

The movie is a raw and gritty portrayal of the tumultuous life of Rocky Graziano, the middleweight world champion renowned for his bouts in the boxing ring. Newman, in one of his early career-defining roles, convincingly plays Graziano as a hotheaded and wonderful mix of aggression and tenderness. Newman delivers a knockout performance as the rebellious, troubled boxer who managed to fight his way out of the slums of New York to become a world champion. The title "Somebody Up There Likes Me" is a quote from Graziano himself that echoed his hard background and is indicative of his belief that he was someone dealt a difficult hand in life, who nevertheless managed, against all odds, to pull through and win.

The central character's story is traced from his underprivileged youth, engaged with back-alley brawling and petty theft, to his eventual rise to fame as a boxing champion. In between, his bouts of rebellion against the army and the issues within his familial relationships provide nuance and depth to his character, moving the narrative beyond mere pugilism.

Just as important to the story is that of Rocky's personal life, defined by crucial relationships including that with his wife, Norma, who is beautifully portrayed by Pier Angeli. The couple's tumultuous relationship tests Graziano's strength outside the boxing ring, paralleling his struggles within it. The chemistry between Newman and Angeli is vibrant and intimate, forming the emotional centerpiece of the movie.

Everett Sloane, noted for his work in Orson Welles movies, plays Rocky's hard-driven trainer and manager who provides Graziano his shot at boxing glory. His performance further enhances the character dynamics in the movie. The rest of the supporting cast is equally strong, with each member lending credibility to the story of Graziano's tumultuous journey.

The film showcases Robert Wise’s acute directorial touch. The boxing scenes are shot to deliver full-frontal intensity, yet they step aside when the focus needs to divert to the poignant moments in Rocky's personal life. His abilities to strike a balance between intense fight sequences and emotionally driven scenes is commendable, making the film an engaging watch.

Cinematographically, the film reflects the production standards of the golden age of Hollywood. The black-and-white composition of the frames enhances the period setting of the narrative and also reflects the stark contrasts in Rocky’s life. Moreover, the Manhattan cityscape is used effectively as a backdrop, illustrating the rough-and-tumble world Rocky came from and fought to escape.

The screenplay by Ernest Lehman stays true to the spirit of Graziano's life, capturing the essence of his journey from rebellious, street-fighting kid to champion boxer. Its integration with Newman's charismatic performance and Wise's skilled directorial approach ensures the audience’s complete immersion into the narrative.

Apart from the performances and direction, what truly stands out is the film's humanistic approach and the way it illustrates a rags-to-riches story. It encapsulates the quintessential American dream – showing that with enough determination, perseverance, and guts, it is possible to overcome any obstacles and achieve great heights.

"Somebody Up There Likes Me" is a powerful blend of drama, sports, biography, and romance that is well worth a watch. It's an inspirational sports movie at heart, underlaid by a compelling love story, and anchored by Newman's masterful and nuanced performance. Its historical context, storytelling, and acting all serve to mark it as a true classic of the mid-1950s cinema. The film with its intense boxing sequences and engaging emotional moments strives to inspire viewers by gently reminding them that somebody up there certainly likes resilience.