They Fight Review: Boxing Drama Delivers Emotional Impact

The film "They Fight" positions boxing as a timeless allegory for the human condition, drawing parallels to movies like "Creed" and "Million Dollar Baby." The narrative centers on Walt, portrayed by André Holland, a former boxing prodigy from Washington D.C. whose career was cut short by the city's drug trade. Following a period of incarceration, Walt is released on parole with the intention of reconnecting with his former partner, played by Samira Wiley, and their young son.

Walt returns to a neglected after-school gym, the place where he first developed his boxing skills, seeking to build a new life. He becomes involved in the gym's revitalization, encouraged by the counselor, Slim, portrayed by Wendell Pierce, and a group of young boys eager to compete. The story highlights the intertwined futures of best friends Quincey, played by Toussaint Francois Battiste, and Peanut, played by Anthony B Jenkins, as they head towards a national title bout.

The stakes are high, encompassing the boys' aspirations, Walt's societal reintegration, and the gym's significance within the rapidly evolving Ward 8 district of Washington D.C. The film explores themes of redemption, second chances, and the enduring spirit found within the sport of boxing, set against a gritty urban backdrop.