Bleed for This (HBO) - 2016

About Bleed for This (HBO)

"Bleed for This" is a 2016 American biographical sports film written and directed by Ben Younger. The film is inspired by the story of world champion boxer Vinny Pazienza. After a fatal car accident, Pazienza is told he might never walk again. Despite that, with the help of renowned trainer Kevin Rooney, he makes a triumphant return to the ring.

Making / Production

Ben Younger both penned the script and served as the film's director. He was particularly taken by Pazienza's determination and willpower and wanted to capture the true spirit of his character in the film. "Bleed for This" was produced by Bruce Cohen, Emma Tillinger Koskoff, Chad A. Verdi, Noah Kraft, and Pamela Thur-Weir, and distributed by Open Road Films.

Actors

• Miles Teller (Vinny Pazienza) - Teller played Vinny Pazienza, the boxer who pulled off one of the most incredible comebacks in sports history. His acting has been highly praised for displaying the tenacity and spirit of Pazienza.
• Aaron Eckhart (Kevin Rooney) - Eckhart embodied the role of Pazienza's trainer, Kevin Rooney. He portrayed Rooney's staunch belief and support in Pazienza's comeback convincingly.
• Ciarán Hinds (Angelo Pazienza) - Hinds played Angelo, Pazienza's father, who initially doubted his son's ability to return to the ring, delivering a heartfelt performance.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Vinny Pazienza himself made a brief appearance in the movie.
• The car accident scene was shot in one take.
• Miles Teller did a significant portion of the boxing scenes himself.

Awards

While the film received positive reviews, it did not win any major awards. However, the performances of Miles Teller and Aaron Eckhart were highly appreciated by critics.

Quotes

• "I'm not done yet. I got more in me." - Vinny Pazienza
• "You just don't know how to give up." - Kevin Rooney to Vinny Pazienza
• "We are all gonna die someday. When you were in that hospital bed, did you wish that you were already dead or did you wish you could go on?" - Angelo Pazienza

Music, Soundtrack

• "Too Dry To Cry" - Willis Earl Beal
• "Romance De Amour" - Anonimo
• "Champion" - Willis Earl Beal
• "Massachusetts" - Willis Earl Beal