Movies Like The Iron Claw: A Glimpse Behind the Scenes of Sports Icons
The recent A24 production The Iron Claw has left audiences captivated with its gripping portrayal of the wrestling family, the Von Erichs. For those still buzzing from this biographical sports drama, there are several other movies that promise to keep the adrenaline flowing. From candid perspectives on wrestling personalities to riveting tales of champion boxers, these films offer an inside look at the intense pressures and personal triumphs of sports icons. Here's a closer look at movies like The Iron Claw that shine a spotlight on determined underdogs beating the odds.
The Unconventional Wrestler: Cassandro (2023)
The true story of Cassandro offers an intimate look at the world of professional wrestling by focusing on the extraordinary career of trailblazing Mexican wrestler Sa\u00fal Armend\u00e1riz. Embracing the flamboyant, exotic wrestling persona of Cassandro, Armend\u00e1riz broke barriers in the 1980s by becoming one of the first openly gay luchadores. Similar to the Von Erich brothers in The Iron Claw, Cassandro faces intense pressure from trainers and family to conform to masculine ideals of strength and heterosexuality against the backdrop of a highly competitive, high-stakes sport. The movie highlights their protagonist's fierce determination and charisma as means of overcoming prejudice and rising to wrestling stardom on their own terms.
cassandro
The Champion Boxer's Journey: Hands of Stone (2016)
Hands of Stone chronicles boxer Roberto Dur\u00e1n's ascent from impoverished beginnings to legendary status in the ring, culminating in his fierce rivalry with Sugar Ray Leonard. Much like the Von Erich brothers facing intense pressure from their father, Dur\u00e1n contends with formidable expectations and sacrifices throughout his career. Both films provide an uncompromising look at their protagonists' extreme dedication and the heavy toll of life in the spotlight. Centering on the boxers' unrelenting drive, Hands of Stone parallels The Iron Claw's candor in capturing the humanity behind beloved sports icons.
Robert De Niro with Edgar Ramirez and Ruben Blades in boxing ring looking into camera in Hands Of Stone
The Underdog Athlete's Triumph: Fighting With My Family (2019)
Offering a behind-the-scenes perspective on WWE wrestler Paige, Fighting With My Family tells the story of an athlete beating the odds to achieve superstardom. Chronicling Paige's journey from her scrappy beginnings training with her tight-knit family in Norwich, England to getting signed to the WWE, the film candidly captures her relentless work ethic and unbreakable spirit in the face of adversity. Keeping in the same vein of The Iron Claw, Paige must push past self-doubt and skepticism as an unconventional athlete in a glamorous, high-profile sport. Bolstered by Florence Pugh's raw performance, Fighting With My Family parallels The Iron Claw's empathy for protagonists striving for greatness against all expectations.
Florence Pugh as Paige, frowning, in Fighting with My Family
The Personal Redemption Story: You Cannot Kill David Arquette (2020)
Spotlighting actor David Arquette's uniquely personal redemption story, the film chronicles his return to the ring after being ostracized for his widely criticized stint as a wrestler in 2000. Arquette seeks to gain credibility and be taken seriously within the close-knit wrestling community. With humor and sincerity, You Cannot Kill David Arquette parallels The Iron Claw's willingness to spotlight the humanity and flaws behind beloved entertainment icons. Both films provide insider perspectives on the triumphs and tribulations of carving out an identity in the demanding world of sports entertainment.
You Cannot Kill David Arquette Documentary
