Somebody Up There Likes Me (1956)

Introduction
"Somebody Up There Likes Me" is a 1956 American drama movie directed by Robert Wise and produced by Charles Schnee. Based on the life story and autobiography of professional fighter Rocky Graziano, the film stars Paul Newman, Pier Angeli, Eileen Heckart, and Steve McQueen. The title is taken from Graziano's declaration about making it through the rough neighborhoods of New York, indicating that some divine intervention protected him.

Plot
The film begins with Rocky Graziano's distressed childhood in New York, where he hangs out with the incorrect crowd and takes part in petty theft, frequently winding up in juvenile detention. After a failed stint in the army and feline break-in episodes, he deals with a maximum jail sentence. In a rough sequence, he leaves but spends the next couple of years in hiding.

While on the run, Rocky fulfills Norma, a kind and gentle female who becomes his girlfriend. He also rediscovers his skill for boxing, a talent he initially developed while in the army. His efforts end up being an avenue for success and redemption when he's found by Irving Cohen, who becomes his supervisor. Rocky's raw power and strength earn him quick recognition and popularity in the boxing world. However, his past catches up with him, leading to his arrest. After serving his sentence, he's determined on returning to the ring.

Conflict & Resolution
Simply when Rocky's career starts to take off again, his unforgiving and prideful daddy ruins it by offering his contract to a rival manager without consulting him. Rocky stubbornly declines to comply with his brand-new manager, leading to a temporary ban from boxing. He faces the bitterness of his relationship with his dad and his longing to go back to boxing.

Norma, now Rocky's wife and mother to their kid, provides moral support, which ultimately prompts Rocky to reconcile his past, forgive his dad, and regain his boxing license. He gets back into the ring with renewed vigor and determination.

Climax & Conclusion
The climax of the movie sees Rocky fight for the world middleweight champion against Tony Zale. The hard-fought match shows Rocky's durability, tenacity, and spirit. Regardless of being knocked down, he returns up and eventually wins the intense match, therefore claiming the champion. This success is made poignant as simultaneously, his other half Norma gives birth to their daughter.

Despite his difficult past, the movie concludes with Rocky Graziano discovering redemption both as a male and a boxing champion. He understands life's important lesson: that everyone makes mistakes, yet everyone is worthy of a second opportunity.

Concluding Remarks
"Somebody Up There Likes Me" is not simply a biographical sports drama, but it speaks volumes about human durability and redemption. Paul Newman delivers an electrifying performance as Rocky Graziano, blending the ideal mix of strength and vulnerability. The gritty realism integrates with exuberant optimism, making it a film that is equally a tribute to boxing as it is a human-interest story.

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