Netflix’s Boxer (2024) Review: Is This Film a Must-Watch for Combat Sports Lovers?

Netflix recently added a sports-drama titled Boxer to its library. A film for combat sports lovers, directed by Mitja Okorn, starring Eryk Kulm Jr. as Jedrzej, Adrianna Chlebicka as Kasia, and Eryk Lubos as Czesiek, among others. The film arrived on Netflix on September 11, 2024.

The plot of this Netflix movie revolves around Jedrzej, the Polish champion, who leaves communist Poland and comes to England to become the Boxing World Champion. The official synopsis of the film as per Rotten Tomatoes reads as -

"Afraid of repeating his father's mistakes, a promising young boxer, played by Eryk Kulm jr, flees communist Poland to pursue his dream of becoming the greatest fighter in history. With only his wife in his corner, the man quickly realizes that the fight for his dream will be more complicated than he thought."

It continues -

"After months of struggling with the hardships of being an immigrant, the Polish boxer agrees to participate in a fixed match that will change his life forever."

With its fitting storyline, Boxer (2024) is a must-watch and a perfect movie to win your heart if you love combat sports and want to satisfy your inner boxer.

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Netflix's Boxer (2024) is a must-watch for Boxing and MMA fans

Fans of combat sports should not miss this new Netflix arrival, which features amazing fight scenes, riveting action, and an abundance of inspiration and excitement essential for athletes. From the trailer of the film, it was clear that Boxer was going to be a film similar to the films of the Rocky franchise, and upon its arrival on the streamer, the movie did not disappoint either.

The film starts with the death of Jedrzej's father, which once again reunites him with his uncle, who becomes his coach and helps him pursue his dreams of becoming a boxer. When Jedrzej finally becomes the Polish champion and later gets married to Kasia, he realizes that if he stays in Poland, his dreams of becoming the world champion will never come true.

He then convinces his wife and his uncle Czesiek to move to England, where he can start his journey of becoming a professional boxer.

A still from the film (Image via Netflix)

However, Jedrzej is compelled to enter the competition as a rigged fighter, receiving payment for losing bouts, since he cannot secure a boxing contract upon arriving in England. During his first bout, his uncle appears in his corner and informs him that Polish people are fighting to win. Soon, after winning the game against his original plan to lose and get paid, Jedrzej meets Nicky, who not only becomes his sponsor but also provides him with a coach to help him improve.

Under Nicky, Jedrzej takes on numerous boxers, emerges victorious in every match, acquires a car and an apartment for his family, and also gains popularity in the media. Though the media questions whether his victories are staged, he challenges previous world champion Roy Barber to a title match, in which he ultimately prevails, after which he returns to his home country.

A still of Eryk Kulm Jr., who stars as Jedrzej in this film (Image via Netflix)

The movie gives audiences what they want at regular intervals from the outset. Starting with the boxing match that crowned Jedrzej the Polish champion, followed by a brawl in the gym with Roy Barber, and numerous other bouts as the movie's events transpired. The film's action does not let down as audiences feel every punch and knockdown as if they were witnessing a real boxing match in an arena.

Despite the film's two hours and thirty-two-minute running length, the film's narrative never feels tedious or overlong. The movie is broken up into several segments. The first follows Jedrzej's journey from notoriety to boxer, his relocation to England to begin anew, and his eventual ascent to the sport's top.

Later, distractions cause him to lose focus on his career, but he eventually recognizes his faults and emerges as the world champion. To train and mentor the people of his nation, Jedrzej returns to Poland at the end of the movie and reopens his uncle's gym.

A still of Adrianna Chlebicka, who stars as Kasia in this Netflix film (Image via Netflix)

The script of this film also performs admirably in terms of character development and aesthetics. The compelling directing and cinematography work wonders as each boxing battle reverberates in the minds and eyes of spectators.

The movie opens with a glimpse of Jedrzej's character growth as the main character. It is a beautiful narrative, from a forced student as a child to a boxer desiring to leave the nation for better possibilities to recognizing that he must return to his starting point.

In addition to Jedrzej's character growth, Kasia, Jedrzej's wife, is shown in the movie in an excellent light. Despite her constant support for her spouse, Jedrzej breaks his vows, and the pair separates during the movie. But as the movie progresses, he understands that he can never thrive without Kasia. Hence, he returns to her at the end of the film.

Jedrzej's character development is also significantly influenced by his uncle Czesiek. Czesiek is crucial to Jedrzej's life and profession since he not only helped him become a skilled boxer but also ensured that he remained that way until he won the title. Even after Czesiek dies in the last seconds of the movie, Jedrzej is even more motivated to win the last game for his uncle and make up for his faults.

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To give a final verdict, for those who enjoy combat sports, Boxer (2024) is the ideal movie. The film won't let you down with an action-packed and inspirational narrative. Watch this movie for the love of sports if you're an MMA or boxing lover eagerly waiting for Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson or Conor McGregor's next bout.

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Boxer is now streaming on Netflix. What are your thoughts about this film? Let us know in the comments below.