Just watched what has to be the best movie I've seen in five years, and a movie that would already have to find a place in the top ten of all time. If you want to see a film that captures the essence of the American dream, with wonderful performances, especially from Russell Crowe and Paul Giamatti, and a conclusion that makes you feel like you've just been at the greatest live sporting event of your life, you've got to see this. It's an homage to what used to be known as old-fashioned virtues without ever being heavy-handed or didactic. I challenge anyone to keep a lump out of their throat when Crowe as Braddock finds out his son stole a salami from the local butcher (the family is essentially starving) and then makes the boy take it back after telling him "we don't steal, never," or is forced to finally go on assistance, making it plain it's the lowest thing he's ever had to do (he takes the money back, later, in another great scene). This is just a great, great movie, as you could guess given some of the sneering reviews by some of the more liberal reviewers. Little Opie has made one helluva film about courage, honor, manly virtues, and his own belief in America. Hollywood will probably never forgive him for it, but everyone else should be grateful for this gift. This is one you don't want to miss.
I agree with your brother. I don't know how anyone could trash it. Honor and courage are to liberals what garlic and daylight are to vampires.
Of the many things she told me, the one that comes to mind first is that as bad as it was, they never needed to lock the doors at night. It wasn't until the 1980s that she had to lock the doors at night (they lived in northwest Pennsylvania in a small town). People still held to their values (not stealing, helping each other, charity), not the situational ethics that are so prevalent today. There was a sense of personal and community responsibility.