A fresh movie starring Pierce Brosnan of James Bond fame, inspired by the uplifting story of a British sports icon, is set to hit theaters this week.
With Sylvester Stallone as the executive producer, the film “Giant” features Amir El-Masry from “The Crown” portraying Naseem Hamed, a renowned boxer from Sheffield who achieved multiple world championships from 1995 to 2000.
The movie delves into Naseem’s challenging upbringing in the face of racism and Islamophobia during the 1970s and 80s, showcasing his journey to fame and his complex relationship with his mentor, Brendan Ingle, an Irish boxing coach played by Brosnan.
Written and directed by Rowan Athale, “Giant” appeals to sports enthusiasts and Bond aficionados alike, providing a different perspective of Brosnan’s talent outside his iconic spy role.
Noteworthy is Toby Stephens’ appearance in the film, who previously acted alongside Brosnan in the 2002 Bond film “Die Another Day.” Critics have praised Stephens for his role as Frank Warren, Naseem’s promoter, with The Daily Telegraph commending his performance in a four-star review.
Receiving acclaim from various publications, “Giant” has been described as “gripping from beginning to end” by Dexerto, “heartfelt” by City AM, and “thumping big screen cinema” by Film Stories. RadioTimes awarded the film four stars, highlighting El-Masry’s portrayal of Naseem’s fighting style and praising Brosnan’s excellent performance.
Despite Sylvester Stallone’s involvement, the film offers a more melancholic tone rather than the typical Rocky-like vibe, adding depth to the storytelling. Early viewers have shown great enthusiasm for the movie, with one individual awarding it five stars on Letterboxd for its compelling narrative and outstanding performances by Brosnan and El-Masry.
Audience reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, praising the film for its emotional impact and exceptional acting. “Giant” is currently screening in cinemas across the UK.