– By Cate Marquis –
HANDS OF STONE spotlights boxer Roberto Duran and ‘No Mas’ fight
HANDS OF STONE is a biopic about boxer Roberto Duran, who rose from poverty in Panama and under the guidance of legendary trainer Ray Arcel, won and then lost the championship to Sugar Ray Leonard, in an infamous rivalry. In the bout defending the title, Duran quit before the end, reportedly saying “no mas,” something Duran denies. It is one of boxing’s most famous moments.
“Hands of stone” was Duran’s nickname, referring to his punishing fists. Venezuelan actor Edgar Ramirez plays Duran, with Robert DeNiro as Arcel. Sugar Ray Leonard is played by musician Usher (billed as Usher Raymond IV) and Cuban-born actress Ana De Armas plays Duran’s wife. Ruben Blades, John Turturro, Ellen Barkin and Jurnee Smollett-Bell help round out the cast.
Roberto Duran was born poor in Panama City, in the shadow of the American forces controlling the Panama Canal. Many Panamanians resented the Americans and their fences but Roberto had a special hatred as the son of an American military man who abandoned his Panamanian mother. The boy grew up running the streets, making money where ever he could, including pummeling other kids in street fights where on-lookers placed bets. A chance encounter brought him to a boxing gym, where …. took the promising boy under his wing. The coach reached out to an old friend, legendary trainer Ray Arcel, an American Jewish man who had been forced into retirement by the Mafia.
The movie focuses on both Duran and Arcel, following Duran’s rise, fall and comeback in a Golden Age of boxing, as well as Arcel’s story making his own late-life comeback despite the Mafia ban. John Turturro plays a Mafia figure keeping his eye on Arcel. Arcel trained over 2,000 boxers in a 70-year career, and was the first boxing trainer elected to the Boxing Hall of Fame. He was also notable for the fact that none of his fighters were ever seriously injured in the ring.
“Hands of Stone” does not transcend its genre like “Raging Bull.” While it has the limitations of most sports biopics, fans of the boxer or those just curious about the story behind the famous “No Mas” fight likely will find it interesting. While the film has well-done fight scenes, the film is more psychological, and the major focus is on the boxer’s inner struggles. Duran is driven by his resentment, of his poverty and of Americans in particular. In an opening scene, the young boxer nearly refuses to accept help from the legendary Arcel, simply because he is an American. But he does agree and the partnership brings him to a championship bout against reigning champ Sugar Ray Leonard.
The film loses steam after the famous “No Mas” fight and struggles for a while before regaining some energy for a triumphant comeback bout, ending the film on a high note. Ramirez radiates fury as Duran, and the scenes between the actor and DeNiro are among the film’s best. The handsome Ramirez is much more famous in Latin America than here, but this film may help change that. DeNiro is in fine form as the measured, sympathetic Arcel. who focuses Duran on the psychological and strategic side of the sport. Ellen Barkin also turns in a memorable performance as Arcel’s sassy wife. Usher delivers a surprisingly appealing performance as Sugar Ray, where his cooler demeanor contrasts with Duran’s chip-on-shoulder explosiveness. Still, the film’s breakout performance may be Ana De Armas as Duran’s wife, a beauty from a wealthy family who seeing something in this kid from the streets. The actress is also featured in another current “true story” film, the arms trading tale “War Dogs.”
While this film is getting an American debut, it is pretty clear that South American and Central American audiences are it main target. Edgar Ramirez is a bigger star in Latin America and while the movie is mostly in English, it has significant portions in Spanish, with subtitles. The film also does not shy away from Duran’s resentment towards Americans nor the issues Panama had with American control of the Panama canal. A sports film aimed primarily at American audiences would not have been as frank.
For those curious about the story behind the famous “No Mas” fight or fans of Roberto Duran, HANDS OF STONE offers some insights and an inspiring story.
© Cate Marquis
