The Featherweight (2024): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
The Featherweight is a 2024 biographical drama directed by Robert Kolodny, starring James Madio as Willie Pep, Stephen Lang and Ron Livingston. It runs 1 hour 39 minutes and earned $22,011 worldwide. Critics gave it 79 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.2/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 39m (99 min)
- Director
- Robert Kolodny
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Appian Way
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Featherweight About?
The premise of The Featherweight without spoilers.
In 1964 Hartford, former featherweight boxing champion Willie Pep faces mounting personal and financial difficulties. Burdened by debt and struggling with a strained relationship with his son and young wife, he decides to attempt a comeback. A camera crew follows him as he prepares to re-enter the boxing ring, documenting the challenges and determination involved in his pursuit of a second chance.
The Featherweight Themes & Keywords
· 7 tags- boxing
- based on real people
- 1960s
- 20th century
- featherweight
- boxer
- based on true story
The Featherweight Cast & Characters
James Madio leads the cast as Willie Pep, with Stephen Lang as Bill Gore and Ron Livingston as Bob Kaplan. Directed by Robert Kolodny; 20 actors are credited in all.
- Director Robert Kolodny
- James Madio as Willie Pep
-
Stephen Lang as Bill Gore -
Ron Livingston as Bob Kaplan -
Keir Gilchrist as Billy Papaleo Jr.
Also Starring in The Featherweight
· 16 more- Jeremy Luke Rocky Marciano
- Gino Cafarelli Harry Balogh
- Lawrence Gilliard Jr. Sandy Saddler
- Jay Giannone Gerard
- Frank John Hughes Mike Marino
- Michael Siberry Bill Lee
- David Lavine Karl Rierson
- Louis Vanaria Event Organizer
- Patrick Murney Don Dunphy
- Ruby Wolf Linda Papaleo
- Shari Albert Fran Papaleo
- Steve Antonucci Press
- Imma Aiello Mama Papaleo
- Bruce Carrington Goose
- Delano Montgomery Sam Hornsby
- Alex Biestek Case File Wardrobe Supervisor
The Featherweight Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave The Featherweight 79 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 86/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in story & flow (78).
The Featherweight Echo Score Breakdown
Overall, The Featherweight delivers a compelling biographical portrait through confident direction and strong performances, while its period‑authentic visual design enhances immersion. Critics and viewers note the inventive documentary‑style framing and nuanced acting as central strengths. However, recurring comments about occasional shaky‑camera work and uneven pacing indicate where engagement can falter. The film’s blend of artful storytelling and modest technical flaws results in a solid, if not flawless, cinematic experience.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 85
In terms of direction and production design, the film demonstrates confident execution, employing a documentary‑style framework that reinforces its period setting. Critics highlight inventive framing and effective recreation of historic boxing footage, while users praise the authentic look and thoughtful editing. The prevalent critique concerns excessive shaky‑camera, which detracts from visual stability. Overall, the artistic craftsmanship is strong despite isolated technical roughness.
- Character & Emotion 90
Regarding acting and character development, the ensemble delivers nuanced portrayals, with particular emphasis on the lead’s ability to embody the boxer’s complexities. Reviewers note the cast’s committed performances and effective chemistry, enhancing emotional resonance. Some criticism points to unlikable secondary characters, yet the overall impression is that character work anchors the narrative. Consequently, character execution stands out as a clear strength.
- Story & Flow 78
In terms of plot construction and pacing, the film offers a well‑scripted biographical arc that maintains audience interest through inventive verité storytelling. Critics acknowledge its originality within the boxing subgenre and its measured pacing, though some note occasional slow sections and a desire for deeper exploration of the champion’s rise. The overall narrative delivers a coherent, engaging experience despite modest pacing lapses.
- Sensory Experience 80
The auditory and visual components combine to reinforce the period atmosphere, with a restrained soundtrack that aligns with emotional beats and historic footage that blends seamlessly with recreated scenes. Reviewers praise the effective use of archival material and the subtle sound design, while viewers cite the intentionally shaky‑camera technique as disorienting. Overall, the sensory palette supports immersion, though certain stylistic choices may impede comfort.
- Rewatch Factor 82
Regarding repeat viewings, the film’s layered documentary approach and nuanced performances provide material that rewards subsequent analysis. Positive audience feedback emphasizes its worthiness of multiple watches, citing depth in character study and period details. Minor criticisms of pacing and visual instability may reduce immediate rewatch appeal for some viewers. Nonetheless, the overall structure and thematic resonance encourage a modest likelihood of revisiting.
-
IMDb 6.2 /10
871 votes
See on IMDb -
Metacritic 79 Metascore
User score 5.1
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 51% User score
See on TMDB
The Featherweight Box Office
The Featherweight grossed $22,011 worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$22K
- US & Canada
- $22K
The Featherweight Trailers & Videos
The trailer of The Featherweight.
The Featherweight Also Known As
3 alternative titles, including “拳王佩普的第232個發薪日” and “더 페더웨이트”.
- Also known as
-
- 拳王佩普的第232個發薪日
- 더 페더웨이트
- 羽量级拳手
Seen The Featherweight?
Movies Like The Featherweight
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Resurrecting the Champ, Requiem for a Heavyweight and Southpaw.
-
Resurrecting the Champ 2007 -
Requiem for a Heavyweight 1962 -
Southpaw 2000 -
China Heavyweight 2012 -
Big George Foreman: The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champion of the World 2023 -
Requiem for a Heavyweight 1956 -
The Champ 1979 -
Southpaw 2015 -
Bleed for This 2016 -
Cinderella Man 2005 -
Against the Ropes 2004 -
Weightless 2018
The Featherweight FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Featherweight, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Featherweight?
The Featherweight runs 1 hour 39 minutes (99 minutes).
When was The Featherweight released?
The Featherweight was released on September 20, 2024.
Who directed The Featherweight?
The Featherweight was directed by Robert Kolodny.
Who is in the cast of The Featherweight?
The Featherweight stars James Madio as Willie Pep, Stephen Lang as Bill Gore and Ron Livingston as Bob Kaplan, among 20 credited actors.
How much did The Featherweight make at the box office?
The Featherweight grossed $22,011 worldwide.
How is The Featherweight rated?
The Featherweight has 6.2/10 on IMDb, 79 on Metacritic and 51% on TMDB.
Does The Featherweight have a post-credit scene?
No. The Featherweight has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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