James J. "Jim" Braddock, played by Russell Crowe, was a promising boxer in the 1920s, but a series of losses and injuries left him washed up and nearly destitute during the Great Depression. He and his wife Mae, played by Renée Zellweger, were struggling to provide for their children and pay their bills. However, Braddock's luck began to change when his long-time manager, Joe Gould, played by Paul Giamatti, got him a last-minute opportunity to fight against a rising star. Against all odds, Braddock won the fight, which led to a string of victories and eventually a shot at the heavyweight title, which he won in a legendary bout against Max Baer, played by Craig Bierko. This success not only restored Braddock's career, but it also lifted him and his family out of poverty and gave them hope for a better future. The movie is a heartwarming tale of perseverance, love, and triumph in the face of adversity, and it is based on the real-life story of Jim Braddock.