Stronger

[McG]

I saw this as a free film from Times and knew very little about it other than it is the real life story of Jeff Bauman, an ordinary man who became a symbol of hope after surviving the 2013 Boston bombing. I am always very drawn to real life stories and expected this film to be good.
I know a number of people were uncomfortable with the language used through most of the film but being a true story and the type of people who surrounded Jeff, the language was acceptable.
Jake Gyllenhaal was excellent playing the part of Jeff and I could see this as a possible Oscar contender for him. Other actors were also very good.

Marks 8.5/10

[raj101]

this might be a bit hard hitting for some, its based on a true story. Reminiscent of some of the tones in Born on 4th July. Absorbing viewing though.

3 stars.

[Florence1]

I really enjoyed this even if the subject matter was a bit depressing. The cast were very realistic and based on a true story it was very inspirational. 8/10

[prettyxcool]

A very powerful film based on a true story. Quite a hard watch of the struggles of a survivor of the Boston bombings, as he tries to start a new life, after losing both legs. Superbly acted and emotional between him and his on-off-on again girlfriend. 8/10

After being told by the Sky Rep that the screening was fully booked, disappointing to see when the film started that it was less than half full.

[nufc1961]

I preferred Patriots' Day as a much more watchable film about the Boston bombing.

This might be realistic, but NONE of the characters (with the sole exception of the 'one/off' girlfriend) were likeable. Being realistic is totally different to being enjoyable.

5/10

[nosila50]

Enjoyed this based on the real life events surrounding the Boston Bombing and thought Jake Gyllenhaal played the part of Jeff very well. How did they manage to make the loss of his legs so realistic. I know they can photoshop all things but when you see the results as in this film, you can't help but be impressed. Realistic story of his sufferings and positivity, and although his family were slightly rough around the edges, and may have jumped on the media circus they in general were caring and supportive.
7/10

[D-Fens]

This was an excruciating watch. The family unit are so unlikeable that I thought the point of the movie was going to be how they weren't any help in this situation but it didn't go there.

So then I thought it might be about how relationships starting or sustaining through tragedy might not be the best idea but it didn't really go there either.

Maybe it was about how heroism is thrust upon victims and the rejection of that. I come away thinking there were lots of interesting threads but none of them were fully explored and it wasn't until days later I realised that maybe it was about how

Spoiler

Show

heroes are whatever the situation calls for them to be

and if that was the intention then it's a really impressive piece of work.