Joe and Max
2002  NR  DRAMA/TELEVISION  1h 49min
CAST— Leonard Roberts, Til Schweiger
MUSIC— Jeff Beal  DIRECTOR— Steve James  BASED ON— True events

     Two of yesteryear’s premier fighters, Joe Louis and Max Shmeling, faced off against each other, neither one backing down from their opponent’s furious flurry of blows. But what was the story outside the ring, when the lights were down and the crowds were gone? This feature film from Starz! sheds light on the subject by examining the personal lives of the fighters, from their wives to their business associates. As Louis struggled with marital problems Shmeling faced judgment from the Third Reich, indeed Hitler himself, as he opposed the Nazi regime and openly contacted Jewish friends. Wonderful historical detail throughout, even as film jumps from European to American locales. Fine performances from a talented cast, with Til Schweiger in a standout role as Shmeling. Fine as a sports drama and as a period piece.
OUR RATING— ***