“Hands of Stone” is pitched as glimpse of Panamanian boxer Roberto Duran’s infamous rivalry with “Sugar” Ray Leonard. But the film is actually a biographical sketch of Duran. The Leonard element is played up as a climactic chapter for the sake of action – and to capitalize on the star power offered through pop star/heartthrob Usher Raymond’s portrayal of Leonard in the film.
The true battle in “Hands of Stone” is between Duran and his demons – and legendary trainer Ray Arcel’s commitment to instill enough discipline in the talented rising champion to fight them off.
The film, which is based on the book of the same name by Christian Giudice, was a popular selection of the Sundance Film Festival, and the hope is that it will resonate similarly with mainstream audiences when it is released nationwide on Friday, August 26.
“Hands of Stone” falls in line with the inspirational boxing film genre defined by Sylvester Stallone’s “Rocky,” which saw a resurgence in 2015-16 with the likes of Antoine Fuqua’s “Southpaw” and Ryan Coogler’s extension of the Rocky franchise via “Creed.”
It’s a passion project of Venezuelan filmmaker Jonathan Jakubowicz, who called on his countryman Edgar Ramirez to assume the starring role in “Hands of Stone.” The film co-stars Robert DeNiro as Arcel.
Roberto Duran rises from the gutters of Panama during the tumultuous political climate of the 1960s and uses his fists to become the hero of his country. The film captures the highs and lows of the famed boxer’s storied career and complicated life.
As per usual, the film strictly adheres to the formula of the tortured champion who must defeat self-doubt and external obstacles to ascend to the top of his sport. Though the film lacks creativity and depth, the fresh faces that carry the film make it entertaining to watch.
DeNiro is the lone veteran in the film that will fling Ramirez’s hat to the front of the line as far as the next generation of leading men with his portrayal of Duran. His richly layered performance shuts the door on his current lane of supporting roles and designated ethnic characters he’s been held to in his American cinematic career.
It helps to have the veteran DeNiro to play against, but Ramirez manages to hold his own in the film – and their chemistry reflects the premise of the film, with DeNiro coaching Ramirez to effectively carry the weight of the film on his shoulders.
Cuban actress Ana Celia de Armas also shines as Felicidad Duran. Her passion and organic connection with Felicidad stretches her presence beyond what could have been a flat contribution as eye candy.
Although Usher Raymond’s role is little more than an extended cameo, he manages to make the most of it with a strikingly authentic portrayal of Sugar Ray Leonard. He goes a little too heavy on the charm, but still captures the essence of Leonard in a way that doesn’t come off as a badly mimicked caricature. Raymond’s performance as Leonard may be the role that finally allows the singer to officially break through on the big screen after more than 15 years of teetering with mostly forgettable appearances.
“Hands of Stone” opens in theatres nationwide on Friday August 26. The film is rated R with a running time of 105 Minutes.
