New York native and Sundance Directing Award winner Dito Montiel (A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints) has long been on intimate terms with the complex city and its intricate rhythms. In Fighting, the writer / director weaves a tale of two men headed straight for failure… until they cross paths and realize each has exactly what the other needs for big success.
Small-town boy Shawn MacArthur (Channing Tatum) has come to New York City with nothing. Barely earning a living selling counterfeit goods on the streets, his luck changes when scam artist Harvey Boarden (Terrence Howard) sees that he has a natural talent for street fighting. When Harvey offers Shawn help at making some real cash, the two form an uneasy partnership.
As Shawn’s manager, Harvey introduces him to the corrupt bare-knuckle circuit, where rich men bet on disposable pawns. Almost overnight, he becomes a star brawler. He learns he must fight his way-in a series of staggeringly intense bouts-through the city and take down local opponents who come at him with a variety of skills. But if Shawn ever hopes to escape the dark world , he must now face the toughest fight of his life.
Joining Montiel for the action film is producer Kevin Misher. The cast includes Luis Guzman as fight promoter Martinez; Zulay Henao as Shawn’s love interest, Zulay Valez; and Brian White as Shawn’s rival and former wrestling teammate Evan Hailey. Rejoining Montiel are key members of his Saints team, including editor Jake Pushinsky and composers Jonathan Elias and David Wittman.
Read the Full Production Notes
Fighting
Starring: Terrence Howard, Channing Tatum, Zulay Henao, Luis Guzman, Cung Le
Directed by: Dito Montiel
Screenplay by: Dito Montiel, Robert Munich
Release Date: April 24th, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense fight sequences, some sexuality and brief strong language.
Studio: Rogue Pictures
Box Office Totals
Domestic: $23,091,010 (75.5%)
Foreign: $7,511,072 (24.5%)
Total: $30,602,082 (Worldwide)