Hands of Stone - De Niro elevates this sports biopic that skips the sports movie tropes

Sports films often follow a familiar playbook, sticking to tropes and clichés: the underdog triumphs, the fall from grace, and the dramatic comeback in the climax. From Rocky to Remember the Titans, these films tend to focus on predictable narratives of resilience and redemption. While these formulaic elements can be inspiring, they sometimes strip away the complexity of real-life sports stories.

Luckily for you, in today’s episode of Lost and Found, we’re diving into a powerful yet often overlooked film that breaks away from these conventions and stereotypes. Yes, we’re talking about Hands of Stone, the film that depicts the gritty, multifaceted life of Panamanian boxer Roberto Durán portrayed by Édgar Ramírez. The film covers not just his rise to glory but also his deep personal struggles and flaws. Unlike the typical hero's journey, Durán's story is littered with controversial moments which add depth and realism to the proceedings. The film challenges the audience to engage with the complexities of fame, politics, and identity, making it a more nuanced portrayal of the sports legend than just another feel-good narrative.

The film revolves around Durán’s iconic rivalry with Sugar Ray Leonard. But it’s much more than just a boxing film. It's a raw portrayal of Durán’s journey, from his impoverished roots to becoming a world champion, while exploring themes of identity, resilience, and redemption. The film also stars Robert De Niro as Durán’s trainer, Ray Arcel, lending a unique guru-disciple equation that is forever etched in film history.

But why the film hits a soft spot and stays with you long after you’ve watched it is because it depicts the protagonist’s perseverance and personal struggle – elements that resonate universally. Whether you’re into sports or not, Durán’s complex character and the expression of deep human emotions make it an engaging watch. The film also highlights socio-political tensions, particularly in Durán’s native Panama, providing a backdrop that remains strikingly relevant even today.

The film received mixed reviews upon release in 2016 but Hands of Stone shines in its portrayal of real-life drama, and its performances, especially from Ramírez and De Niro who elevate the film into something entirely special. So if you haven’t caught this biographical sports drama, it’s available on Amazon Prime Video in India, and trust me, it’s a must-watch.

Written by Kunal Guha