Netflix continues to surprise. On September 11, 2024, the streaming giant debuted Boxer, a new film directed by Mitja Okorn, known for hits like Letters to Santa and Planet Single. This drama quickly won viewers' hearts, climbing to the top of Netflix's TOP 10 most popular titles.
Eryk Kulm Shines in Netflix's Boxer - Not Just the Story of a Determined Athlete
The film is set in 1995 in Bytom, where Jędrzej (played by Eryk Kulm, awarded an Eagle for his role in Filip) works tirelessly in a rundown training gym, hoping to one day step into the ring. His story, however, began over two decades earlier when he watched in awe as his father (Michał Żurawski), a boxing champion, pursued his career. When his father’s career was unexpectedly cut short, he vowed that his son would not share the same fate. Though he once instilled this passion in him, he later urged Jędrzej to abandon the sport and focus on education. Despite his efforts, Jędrzej followed his heart.
Determined to succeed and prove his abilities, Jędrzej left communist Poland. The only person supporting him in his quest to become the greatest boxer in history was his beloved wife Kasia (Adrianna Chlebicka), who reluctantly gave up her own life to join him in emigration. However, the path to his career would be long and challenging. Disheartened by the lack of opportunities, Jędrzej eventually agrees to take part in a fixed fight, a decision that will change him forever.
Polish Film Boxer Impresses International Netflix Viewers - How Do Critics Rate It?
The success of Boxer, produced by Maciej Kawulski, creator of the new Mr. Kleks Academy, is evident not only from its high viewership in Poland but also, and perhaps more significantly, abroad. The film has become a hit in 17 countries, landing in the TOP 10 rankings on Netflix in countries such as the Czech Republic, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Ukraine.
This isn’t your typical sports film. Like Rocky, it’s raw, honest, and real, while also shedding light on the grim period in Poland during the 1980s that led a million people to leave the country
- said Daniel Hart from Ready Steady Cut, noting that Jędrzej's story has a deeper, more profound layer. The film also garnered many positive reviews from Polish critics. As Łukasz Adamski from TVP Kultura stated on Filmweb, "this is pure cinema", even though the plot itself isn’t particularly original. In fact, viewers have also pointed out its predictability and formulaic nature.
From the moment Jędrzej and Kasia land in England, it's so predictable that you could narrate the story with your eyes closed
- said one user on RottenTomatoes.com.
