“Christy” Movie Review

Plot: Tells the story of Christy Martin (Sydney Sweeney), the most successful female boxer of the 90s.

Who Is Christy Martin?

Christy Martin was a pioneer among professional female boxers in the 1990s. Her story represents the experiences of countless women, whether rooted in reality or not. It depicts a woman trapped in an abusive relationship, often resorting to drugs to escape the pain or being coerced into drug use by a husband who falsely claims to love and care for her. He employs manipulative tactics to bend her to his will, prioritizing his own addictions over her well-being. Entering the film with no expectations, I initially believed that her entry into boxing was a direct result of her husband’s abuse. I was mistaken; that narrative is not accurate.

The Abuse

When people hear the word “abuse,” they often think only of physical violence. However, abuse can also be financial, psychological, emotional, verbal, sexual, neglectful, or discriminatory. It’s crucial to recognize that all forms of abuse are serious and illegal. Many people are manipulated and abused daily without knowing their rights. While physical abuse is the most recognized, emotional blackmail and verbal abuse are also common and damaging. Abuse is abuse, regardless of the form it takes. There’s no gray area—right is right and wrong is wrong. In the film, Christy faced numerous types of abuse, from emotional to physical.

Don King: Is He Christy’s “Golden Ticket?”

Don King is a prominent American boxing promoter who has played a significant role in shaping the careers of some of the biggest names in U.S. boxing history. While his contributions to the sport are noteworthy, his career has also been marked by controversy, particularly regarding his management style and personal conduct. Many have described him as someone whose assertive demeanor could be intimidating; as boxer Christy Martin remarked, working with King often felt like a high-stakes situation.

King’s life has been punctuated by serious incidents that have influenced public perception of him. In 1954, he was involved in a shooting incident where he shot a man attempting to rob one of his gambling houses, which was ruled a justifiable homicide. In 1967, he faced more severe legal challenges when he was convicted of second-degree murder for the death of an employee over a financial dispute.

He served three years and eleven months in prison, after which his conviction was reduced to voluntary manslaughter on appeal. Overall, Don King’s career reflects both his impact on boxing and the complexities of his personal choices. His story serves as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of individuals in the sports industry, highlighting the balance between ambition and accountability.

Jim Martin

I personally felt that James was too old for Christy. I recognized early on in the film that they were destined to be together—not because of his last name, but from an instinctive vibe. The makeup and special effects team truly excelled in their work on Ben Foster; he completely transformed into his role as the abusive husband, Jim Martin. Fantastic job! If I were in Christy’s shoes, I would harness the boxing skills I learned to take a stand. Any woman has the strength to overpower and confront an abusive partner! It’s a reminder that nobody should endure a relationship marked by abuse. Everyone deserves the right to stand up for themselves. NO EXCEPTIONS, NONE WHATSOEVER!