Hubbry Logo
Bleed for ThisBleed for ThisMain
Open search
Bleed for This
Community hub
Bleed for This
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Bleed for This
Bleed for This
from Wikipedia

Bleed for This
Theatrical release poster
Directed byBen Younger
Screenplay byBen Younger
Story by
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyLarkin Seiple
Edited byZac Stuart-Pontier
Music byJulia Holter
Production
companies
Distributed byOpen Road Films
Release dates
  • September 2, 2016 (2016-09-02) (Telluride)
  • November 18, 2016 (2016-11-18) (United States)
Running time
117 minutes[1]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$16 million[2]
Box office$7.2 million[2]

Bleed for This is a 2016 American biographical sports film written and directed by Ben Younger and based on the life of former world champion boxer Vinny Pazienza. The film stars Miles Teller as Pazienza, with Aaron Eckhart, Katey Sagal, Ciarán Hinds, and Ted Levine in supporting roles.

The film had its world premiere at the 43rd Annual Telluride Film Festival on September 2, 2016, and was released in the United States on November 18, 2016, by Open Road Films.

Plot

[edit]

In November 1988, Vinny Pazienza boxes Roger Mayweather for the WBC World Light Welterweight Title. He arrives late to the weigh-in, having spent hours riding a stationary bicycle in order to make the weight limit. Vinny's final weight is 140 pounds even, which qualifies him for the fight.

Instead of sleeping, the cocky Vinny spends all night at the casino. The following day, he loses to Mayweather. At one point during the fight, Vinny is hit after the bell. His manager, Lou Duva, causes a scene by going after Mayweather and gets punched for his trouble. At the post-match press conference, Duva admits that he feels Vinny isn't serious about the championship and should consider retiring from boxing. This angers Vinny's father Angelo (who serves as his coach), and he confronts Duva. In the ensuing argument, Vinny announces that he wants another fight and fires Duva. He replaced his father as coach with Kevin Rooney; Angelo grudgingly agrees to become his manager instead.

Angelo receives confirmation that Vinny has been granted a new title fight against Gilbert Dele. Kevin objects at first, but still believes that Vinny can win the fight. Vinny wins the bout via technical knockout, which makes him the WBA World Light Middleweight champion. Some days later, Angelo tells Vinny that he must defend his title against Panamanian boxer Roberto Durán. Vinny is pleased and drives with his friend Jimmy to get some coffee. On the way, they are hit head-on by an oncoming car. Jimmy sustains minor injuries, but Vinny suffers a critical neck injury. As he regains consciousness in the hospital, the doctor informs him that he might never walk again and will certainly never fight again. He offers to better Vinny's chances of walking by performing a spinal fusion. While this would guarantee that he can walk again, it would limit movement in his neck and leave him medically unfit to box.

Against his doctor's recommendation, Vinny opts to be fitted with a Halo, a medical device consisting of a circular metal brace screwed into his skull in four spots and propped up with four metal rods. This would allow him to regain movement in his neck, which could allow him to box again. Despite Vinny's optimism, Rooney is skeptical and refuses to train him any further. Disobeying his doctors' advice, Vinny begins to work out in his basement. He tells Kevin, who finally agrees to help after realizing how much boxing means to Vinny. Angelo eventually catches them, and kicks Kevin out of the house.

Six months after the accident, Vinny is ready to have the halo removed. He chooses to endure the pain of having the screws removed without taking any sedatives. In his comeback match, it is confirmed that Vinny will once again fight Durán. The fight is held in Las Vegas, in 1990. In the first six rounds, Vinny struggles to match the more fit and better conditioned Durán. Then suddenly — inspired by his own tenacity — Vinny lands a good punch late in the fight. Vinny eventually wins, via 12-round majority decision (114-114, 115-113, 115-113).

In the final scene, Vinny is interviewed by a journalist. She asks him about the biggest lie he was ever told as a boxer. Vinny pauses, then says the biggest lie is, "It's not that simple".

Cast

[edit]

Professional boxers Peter Quillin, Jean-Pierre Augustin and Edwin Rodríguez appear as fighters Roger Mayweather, Gilbert Dele and Roberto Durán, respectively, while Godsmack singer Sully Erna plays a Blackjack dealer at Caesars Palace.

Production

[edit]

In September 2010, it was announced Angelo Pizzo had signed on to write the film, with Chad A. Verdi, Noah Kraft, and Glen Ciano producing while Michael Corrente would direct the film.[4] In 2011, Verdi sent Kraft to meet with Martin Scorsese after an introduction from Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. Scorsese agreed to partner with Verdi and Kraft on the project and signed on as an executive producer.[5][6] In 2012, Verdi and Kraft hired Ben Younger to write and direct the feature.[7]

In September 2014, it was announced that Miles Teller, Aaron Eckhart, Amanda Clayton, Ciarán Hinds, and Katey Sagal had joined the cast of the film, with Ben Younger directing from a screenplay he wrote, while Scorsese and Emma Koskoff Tillinger, Bruce Cohen and Pamela Thur-Weir serving as producers.[8] In December 2014, Tina Casciani joined the cast of the film.[9] Aaron Eckhart gained a reported 45 pounds for the role of Kevin Rooney.[10]

Teller trained for 5 months with nutritionist Gary Kobat and trainer Darrell Foster to get in shape for the role of Vinny Paz.[11]

Filming

[edit]

On November 10, 2014, filming started in Warwick, Rhode Island.[12] On December 10, filming took place at Twin River Casino in Lincoln, Rhode Island.[13] On December 16 and 17, filming took place at Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence.[14]

Lawsuit

[edit]

On July 27, 2017, Vinny Pazienza filed a formal lawsuit against filmmakers Ben Younger and Chad A. Verdi, citing forgery and failure to pay $175,000 of the promised $300,000 payout for the rights to his life's story. It was dismissed on December 7 of the same year.[15]

Release

[edit]

In February 2015, the first image of Teller was released.[16] In May 2015, Open Road Films acquired distribution rights to the film.[17] The film had its world premiere at the 43rd Annual Telluride Film Festival on September 2, 2016, before screening at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival.[18] Originally, the film was scheduled to open in a limited release on November 4, 2016, before opening wide on November 23.[19] In October 2016, the film was rescheduled to have a wide opening on November 18, 2016, forgoing a limited release.[20]

Box office

[edit]

Bleed for This opened alongside Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and The Edge of Seventeen, as well as the wide expansions of Moonlight and Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk, and was initially expected to gross around $5 million from 1,549 theaters.[21] After grossing less than $900,000 on its opening day expectations were lowered to $2–3 million; it ended up debuting to $2.4 million, finishing 8th at the box office.[22] In its second weekend the film dropped to 17th at the box office, grossing $949,898 (a drop of 59%).[23]

Critical response

[edit]

On Rotten Tomatoes the film holds an approval rating of 70% based on 145 reviews, with an average rating of 6.23/10. The website's critical consensus reads, "Bleed for This rises on the strength of Miles Teller's starring performance to deliver a solid fact-based boxing drama that takes a few genre clichés on the chin but keeps on coming."[24] On Metacritic the film has a weighted average score of 62 out of 100, based on 34 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.[25] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A−" on an A+ to F scale.[26][22]

Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun-Times wrote: "Miles Teller gives the performance of his career as the indefatigable Vinny 'The Pazmanian Devil' Pazienza, and writer-director Ben Younger delivers one of the best boxing movies of the decade in Bleed for This."[27] Peter Debruge of Variety wrote: "Teller is terrific, which should come as no surprise to Whiplash fans, though no less significant, the film represents a significant return for writer-director Ben Younger."[28]

TheWrap.com's Claudia Puig wrote: "The boxing drama Bleed for This has a powerful story and a strong lead performance in its corner, but falls short of knockout status. Hampered by clichéd writing and stereotypical portrayals, this extraordinary true-life account feels run-of-the-mill."[29][30][31]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Bleed for This is a 2016 American biographical sports drama film written and directed by , chronicling the life of professional boxer Vinny "The Pazmanian Devil" Pazienza. Pazienza, who was inducted into the in June 2025, rose to fame with two world titles, followed by a near-fatal car accident that broke his neck, leading to a remarkable comeback against medical odds with the help of his trainer Kevin Rooney. Starring in the lead role, the film portrays Pazienza's determination to return to the ring in just over a year, redefining resilience in sports history. The movie features a strong supporting cast, including as Rooney, Pazienza's trainer, alongside , , and . With a runtime of approximately 117 minutes, it falls into the genres of , , and , emphasizing themes of perseverance and physical recovery. Released in theaters on November 18, 2016, by , the production drew from real events in Pazienza's career, capturing his transition from to (junior middleweight) champion. Critically, Bleed for This received a 70% approval rating on the Tomatometer based on 139 reviews, with praise for Teller's performance as a highlight in an otherwise conventional . Audience reception mirrored this at 70% from over 5,000 ratings, appreciating the inspirational true-story narrative despite some genre clichés. The film earned one win and three nominations, including an Irish Film and Television Award nod for in a supporting role, though it did not secure major Oscar contention.

Plot and Cast

Plot

The film opens in 1988 with Vinny Pazienza, a brash junior boxer from , preparing for a title fight against . Struggling with and personal indulgences like , Vinny arrives late to the weigh-in after a night of revelry, dehydrating dangerously to make weight. The bout ends in a loss for Vinny, who collapses from exhaustion and is hospitalized, highlighting the physical toll of the sport and prompting his initial trainer to urge retirement. Under pressure from his supportive yet overbearing father, , who doubles as his manager, Vinny switches trainers to the disciplined Kevin Rooney, a former coach. Rooney pushes Vinny to move up two weight classes to super welterweight, believing it suits his aggressive style better than continued dehydration battles. This decision pays off as Vinny captures the WBA super welterweight title in 1991 with a grueling victory over Gilbert Dele via technical knockout in the 12th round, establishing him as a rising star and boosting family pride, though his mother, Louise, remains anxiously distant from the violence of the ring, preferring to pray for his safety. The win underscores Vinny's raw determination but also strains his relationships, as Rooney warns against complacency and Angelo's enthusiasm borders on exploitation. Tragedy strikes shortly after in late 1991 when Vinny, driving recklessly without a seatbelt, crashes his Camaro and fractures his . Doctors inform him he may never walk, let alone , again, fitting him with a Halo brace screwed directly into his skull for stabilization. Confined to his parents' home, Vinny endures excruciating pain and isolation, his mental resilience tested as family dynamics fracture—Angelo pushes for a career pivot to , while Louise offers quiet emotional support amid her fears. Defying medical advice, Vinny convinces a reluctant Rooney to conduct secret, brutal training sessions in the basement, using the brace's weight to build strength and incorporating grueling exercises like chin-ups and while immobilized. These scenes emphasize the of rehabilitation, with Vinny's unyielding —"I bleed for this"—symbolizing his refusal to yield to injury's mental erosion. After six agonizing months, Vinny dramatically removes the Halo screws himself without , declaring his readiness to return. Despite skepticism from promoters and his own team, he secures a high-stakes comeback bout against the legendary in 1994. The film builds to this climactic fight in , where Vinny's raw power and Rooney's tactical guidance overcome Durán's experience, securing a victory that reaffirms his unbreakable spirit and cements his legacy amid the sport's unforgiving demands.

Cast

The principal cast of Bleed for This (2016) is led by as the titular boxer Vinny Pazienza, a real-life fighter known as "The Pazmanian Devil," whose story of resilience after a severe forms the film's core. portrays Kevin Rooney, Pazienza's trainer, bringing a grounded intensity to the role of the mentor guiding his protégé through grueling recovery and training. plays Louise Pazienza, Vinny's supportive mother, drawing on her experience in dramatic family roles to depict maternal strength amid hardship. embodies Angelo Pazienza, Vinny's father, offering a nuanced performance as the concerned patriarch balancing encouragement and worry. rounds out the key ensemble as , the veteran boxing promoter and manager, infusing the character with authoritative gravitas based on the real-life figure. Supporting roles feature professional boxers in cameo appearances as Pazienza's opponents, adding authenticity to the ring sequences. , a former champion, plays , capturing the physicality of a formidable rival. Jean-Pierre Augustin appears as Gilbert Dele, portraying the intensity of an international bout with his own background. Edwin Rodríguez depicts , the legendary Panamanian fighter, in a pivotal matchup that highlights Pazienza's determination.
ActorRoleNotes
Vinny PazienzaUnderwent rigorous preparation, including four hours of daily training, two hours of weights, and additional cardio and to embody the boxer's physique and technique; reduced body fat to around 6% and dropped from 188 to 168 pounds.
Kevin RooneyDelivered a praised performance as the trainer, noted for its sincerity and contrast to his typical leading-man roles, contributing to the film's emotional depth.
Louise PazienzaPortrayed the family anchor with emotional authenticity, enhancing the domestic scenes.
Angelo PazienzaProvided a standout supporting turn as the father, lauded for its heartfelt realism in reviews.
Ted LevineLou DuvaBrought veteran presence to the promoter role, inspired by the actual figure.
Peter QuillinRoger MayweatherReal-life boxer adding credible fight authenticity.
Jean-Pierre AugustinGilbert Dele fighter portraying an opponent with realistic ring prowess.
Edwin RodríguezCaptured the essence of the iconic champion in a key confrontation.
Teller's transformation was particularly highlighted in production accounts, where he trained under boxing experts to master not just the physical demands but also the sport's technical nuances, such as footwork and defensive strategies, to avoid a generic portrayal of . Critics commended the ensemble's chemistry, with Eckhart and Hinds earning specific praise for elevating the biographical drama through their committed interpretations of real-life inspirations.

Production

Development

The development of Bleed for This began in 2009 when producers Chad A. Verdi and Noah Kraft sought to adapt the life story of boxer Vinny Pazienza into a , focusing on his remarkable career and resilience. They partnered with Glen Ciano as a key producer, and the project gained momentum with the involvement of Oscar-winning producer and executive producer , who provided guidance on the narrative. Ben Younger, known for directing Boiler Room, was attached to write the and direct, drawing personal inspiration from his own 10-year hiatus from filmmaking, which mirrored Pazienza's comeback spirit. The production targeted an initial budget of approximately $22 million, later reduced to $7 million through cost management and back-end deals, enabling a focus on authentic locations and practical effects for the sequences. Younger approached script development by immersing himself in Pazienza's , researching his real-life milestones such as the 1991 car accident that shattered his and the subsequent grueling recovery while wearing a steel halo device bolted to his skull. He incorporated these elements to emphasize Pazienza's defiance of medical prognosis—doctors warned he might never walk again—transforming the halo period into a central for his unyielding determination to return to the ring and win three world titles in the . Though not initially a enthusiast, Younger consulted Scorsese for insights into the sport's dramatic potential and adjusted the script to balance raw authenticity with cinematic pacing, pulling back some extreme real events for audience believability while retaining the emotional core of Pazienza's physical and psychological battles. Key talent attachments solidified in early 2014, with cast as Pazienza for his ability to convey youthful swagger and vulnerability, and as trainer Kevin Rooney, reflecting the duo's commitment to a gritty, character-driven biopic. Pazienza himself contributed to the pre-production through consultations, offering firsthand details on his and routines to ensure the portrayal captured his "Pazmanian Devil" persona, including advice to actors on embodying his relentless drive. These efforts culminated in principal photography starting on November 10, 2014.

Filming

Principal photography for Bleed for This commenced on November 10, 2014, in , and wrapped in mid-December after approximately five weeks of shooting. The production primarily took place in Providence and surrounding areas of Rhode Island to authentically recreate the New England boxing milieu of the 1980s and 1990s. Key sites included the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence for the climactic Roberto Duran fight sequence, Twin River Casino in Lincoln for additional boxing scenes, and Kent County Hospital in to depict Vinny Pazienza's post-accident recovery. Local gyms and ringside setups were also utilized to ground the film in the region's gritty, working-class atmosphere. The film's boxing sequences relied on practical effects and hands-on stunt coordination to achieve realism, with fight choreographer Darrell Foster training lead actors Miles Teller and Aaron Eckhart in authentic boxing techniques, including balance, footwork, and power generation. Professional boxers such as Peter Quillin and Edwin Rodriguez portrayed opponents, enabling controlled physical contact where gloves pressed against actors to simulate impacts without full-force blows. Challenges arose from coordinating these sequences, particularly given director Ben Younger's lack of prior experience with fight scenes and the need to synchronize camera angles with precise choreography over extended shoots, such as the 10-hour recreation of the 1991 Paz-Dele bout using 1,000 extras. Injury simulations, like the Halo brace worn by Teller during recovery scenes, were handled practically, requiring the actor to perform while immobilized to convey Pazienza's physical and emotional strain. Budget limitations, ultimately set at $7 million compared to an initial $22 million target, further constrained the scale of crowd scenes and stunt work.

Lawsuit

In 2017, professional Vinny Paz (born Vinny Pazienza) filed a against the producers of the film Bleed for This in Kent County Superior Court, , alleging breach of and forgery related to post-release promotional obligations. Paz, who had served briefly as a during filming, claimed the defendants owed him at least $175,000 for unpaid promotional appearances and endorsements, having received only $125,000 of a promised $300,000 total compensation; he further alleged that his signature was forged on three amendments using his former "Vinny Pazienza," which he had changed to "Vinny Paz" in 2000. The suit, filed in May 2017, named producer Chad Verdi, director , and Younger's production company, Younger Than You Productions, as defendants. The defendants responded with a in July 2017, denying the allegations and asserting that the contracts had been legitimately amended in June 2014 to reduce Paz's fees due to funding shortfalls during production, with Paz's consent. A hearing was held on July 31, 2017, to address the claims, but the case proceeded to a for dismissal on December 7, 2017, after the parties resolved what Paz described as a "misunderstanding" regarding the contractual terms. The dismissal was granted with prejudice, meaning neither side could refile the claims, and each party agreed to bear their own legal costs and fees, effectively closing the matter without a or monetary award. The stemmed from disputes over post-release commitments following the film's November 2016 premiere, straining Paz's relationship with the despite his initial involvement as a . The resolution appeared to mend ties, as no further public conflicts emerged, allowing the film's legacy to proceed without ongoing legal entanglements.

Release

Premiere and Distribution

_Bleed for This had its world premiere at the 43rd Telluride Film Festival on September 2, 2016. The film received additional screenings at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 12, 2016, and the 60th BFI London Film Festival on October 9, 2016, where it was presented as part of the Thrill Gala in association with Empire magazine. Open Road Films handled the U.S. distribution, releasing the film theatrically on November 18, 2016, in a across 1,549 theaters. Internationally, distribution deals were secured for select markets, including the via Icon Film Distribution on December 2, 2016; through ; and territories such as , , , , , , and the also by . Additional sales covered via Notorious Pictures and Russia through Renovatio Entertainment. The marketing campaign centered on Miles Teller's physical transformation for the role of Vinny Pazienza, highlighting his rigorous training regimen that involved gaining over 30 pounds of muscle and with boxers, as showcased in the official trailer released in June 2016. Promotional efforts also emphasized the film's inspirational narrative of Pazienza's real-life comeback from a near-fatal , with interviews and behind-the-scenes features focusing on the biopic's themes of resilience and . The campaign included red carpet appearances at festivals and premieres, where Teller and co-star discussed the authentic portrayal of the boxer's journey.

Box Office

Bleed for This was released in 1,549 theaters across the United States and Canada on November 18, 2016, generating $2.4 million in its opening weekend and ranking eighth at the domestic box office. The debut came amid heavy competition from blockbuster holiday films, including Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Moana, which dominated audience attention during the Thanksgiving period. Over its full theatrical run, the film earned $5.1 million domestically and $7.2 million worldwide, with North American markets accounting for approximately 71% of the total gross. International earnings were modest at around $2.1 million, reflecting the picture's limited appeal outside English-speaking territories due to its focus on an American boxing . With a of $16 million, Bleed for This underperformed at the , recovering only about 45% of its costs through ticket sales and marking a commercial disappointment for distributor . This outcome echoed similar challenges faced by contemporaneous boxing dramas like , which also struggled against the seasonal slate of family-oriented blockbusters.

Home Media

The home media release of Bleed for This followed its limited theatrical run, providing audiences with access to the film through physical and digital formats distributed primarily by . The DVD and Blu-ray editions were issued in the United States on February 14, 2017, featuring quality, audio, and special features such as deleted scenes, a titled "Inspired by a Legend," another on "An Authentic Journey," and a making-of segment called "Bleed for This: The Making of." These editions were produced in collaboration with , the film's theatrical distributor, and included digital download codes for added convenience. Digital distribution began earlier, with the film becoming available for purchase and rental on platforms including and Amazon Video starting January 31, 2017, in high-definition format. (VOD) services expanded access shortly thereafter, allowing on-demand viewing through various providers. By 2025, the film remained accessible via subscription streaming on services such as (including its Apple TV and Amazon channels), , and , reflecting ongoing digital availability without significant re-issues or format changes. Region-specific releases varied internationally; for instance, the Blu-ray edition launched in on April 20, 2017, in on October 11, 2017 (as a special Blu-ray + CD combo), and in the on March 27, 2017, primarily through standard DVD and digital channels. These home media options served as a key secondary revenue stream amid the film's modest overall commercial performance.

Reception

Critical Response

Bleed for This received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise centered on its energetic depiction of the sport and lead performances, though some noted its adherence to conventional storytelling. On , the film holds a 70% approval rating based on 139 reviews, with an average rating of 6.2/10. On , it scores 62 out of 100 based on 34 critics, indicating mixed or average reviews. Audiences polled by gave the film an average grade of A−. Critics frequently highlighted Miles Teller's physical transformation and intense portrayal of Vinny Pazienza, crediting his commitment for anchoring the film's emotional core. In Variety, Owen Gleiberman wrote, "Teller is terrific, which should come as no surprise to ‘Whiplash’ fans," noting how the actor "powerfully reinforces what a charismatic performer he is." The boxing sequences were also commended for their high-energy execution and realistic portrayal of the sport's brutality, particularly in depicting Pazienza's recovery from injury, which added authenticity to the comeback narrative. However, reviewers criticized the film for relying on predictable biopic tropes and uneven pacing, which sometimes diluted its inspirational tone. of observed that while the story is fact-based, it follows "commercial drama conventions" that make it feel overly optimistic and predictable, potentially overlooking deeper psychological elements. In Variety, Gleiberman pointed out that "the bouts in the ring aren’t nearly as compelling as the battle Pazienza is waging in his own head," suggesting the external action pales against the internal drama, contributing to a sense of caricatured family dynamics and familiar clichés. Despite these flaws, the film's uplifting message of resilience was seen as effectively conveyed through its working-class setting.

Accolades

Bleed for This earned one award win and three nominations across various film festivals and critics' associations, reflecting its niche appreciation within the independent and regional film community. The film's sole win came at the 2016 Washington West Film Festival, where director received the Film of the Year Award for his portrayal of boxer Vinny Pazienza's inspiring comeback story. In the acting categories, the film received recognition from the Film Journalists Association in 2016, with nominated for Best Actor for his lead performance as Pazienza and nominated for Best Supporting Actor as his trainer Kevin Rooney. Additionally, was nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Film at the 2017 Irish Film and Television Awards for his role as Pazienza's father, . These accolades often highlighted the film's commitment to biographical fidelity, particularly in depicting Pazienza's arduous recovery from a fractured using a Halo brace and his determined return to the ring for bouts against . Despite positive notices for its authentic storytelling and performances, Bleed for This did not secure nominations from major industry awards such as the or , underscoring its modest broader impact.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.