What’s the Cost of Victory

Read Time:4 Minute, 15 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Body and Soul (Special Edition) (Blu-ray)
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Genre: Film Noir, Drama, Sports
Year Released: 1947, 2024 Kino Lorber Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 44m
Director(s): Robert Rossen
Writer(s): Abraham Polonsky
Cast: John Garfield, Lilli Palmer, Anne Revere, Hazel Brooks, William Conrad, Joseph Pevney, Canada Lee, Lloyd Gough
Where To Watch: available now, order here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: BODY AND SOUL untangles more than just a fighter's journey; it portrays a drama of conflict between personal ambition and moral integrity. Under the direction of Robert Rossen, the movie doesn't just punch but jabs at the underbelly of the sports world, where the glitz of the spotlight often overshadows the grit required to stay in it. In a career-defining role, John Garfield portrays Charley Davis, whose meteoric rise in boxing is as fraught with tension and conflict as his battles within the ropes.

The film starts on an uplifting note in the life of Charley, an amateur with promise that quickly draws in Quinn, a veteran promoter portrayed by William Conrad. His burgeoning career earns him not just fans but the loyalty of his friend Shorty Polaski, a role filled with warmth by Joseph Pevney. However, as Charley's star ascends, he becomes increasingly distanced from those who anchored him to his humble beginnings. Entering Charley’s life is Alice, played by Hazel Brooks, who introduces him to a seductive yet perilous world far removed from his old neighborhood's gritty reality.

The plot thickens, and the stakes are raised when Lloyd Gough’s character, Roberts, steps in as Charley’s manager. His introduction marks a turning point, steering BODY AND SOUL into darker waters. Roberts, a master of manipulation, orchestrates a perilous fight between Charley and Ben Chaplin, played by Canada Lee, who unknowingly risks his life due to a severe medical condition. This fight highlights the brutal truth of the boxing industry, where the value of life can sometimes weigh less than the profit it generates.

Rossen employs a flashback structure to delve into Charley’s psyche, navigating his rise to fame against his present moral battles. This narrative style enriches the storyline, providing a layered understanding of Charley's internal and external conflicts. The boxing sequences are choreographed with intensity, placing viewers ringside to feel every impactful punch and the emotional battle accompanying each one.

As Charley struggles with his conscience and the corrupting influence of his newfound fame, the film paints a compelling portrait of the erosion of his integrity in the face of unchecked ambition. His relationships, especially with his mother, Anna, and his girlfriend, Peg, illuminate his internal struggle. Anna, acting as the film’s moral compass, and Peg, who poses a heartfelt request, pull at Charley's soul in their compelling way.

While the physical fights are riveting, BODY AND SOUL’s actual conflict lies in the ethical dilemmas Charley faces, making it a narrative rich with drama and suspense. The film transcends the typical sports movie formula by weaving a story that’s as much about the battles fought outside the ring as those within.

The supporting cast enhances the narrative, symbolizing the contrasting paths Charley might choose to follow. Their stories intertwine with Charley's, reminding him of the high stakes involved in his choices.

BODY AND SOUL is more than a tale of a boxer; it is an exploration of a man torn between the allure of success and the pull of his conscience. This film not only captivates with its intense action sequences but also resonates through its exploration of the complexities of human choices. It reminds us that in the quest for victory, the greatest battle is often with oneself, and sometimes, the price of success is far greater than the belt won in the ring. It’s a stark reminder that integrity may be a casualty of ambition, a lesson that echoes beyond the final bell.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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