A new movie starring Pierce Brosnan as a character inspired by a British sporting icon is set to hit theaters this week. Produced by Sylvester Stallone, the film named Giant features Amir El-Masry portraying Naseem Hamed, a renowned boxer from Sheffield who achieved multiple world championships during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The movie delves into Naseem’s difficult upbringing marked by racism and Islamophobia in the 1970s and 80s, showcasing his journey to fame and his complex relationship with his mentor, Irish boxing coach Brendan Ingle, played by Brosnan.
Directed and written by Rowan Athale, Giant appeals to sports enthusiasts and James Bond fans alike, offering a different side of Brosnan from his iconic spy roles. Notably, Toby Stephens, known for his role as the antagonist in a Bond film, also stars in the movie.
Receiving accolades from various publications, Giant has been described as “gripping from beginning to end” by Dexerto, “heartfelt” by City AM, and “thumping big screen cinema” by Film Stories. RadioTimes praised the performances, highlighting Amir El-Masry’s portrayal of Naseem’s fighting style and Brosnan’s excellent acting.
Audiences who attended early screenings have highly praised the movie, with one viewer giving it a five-star rating on Letterboxd, commending the storytelling and performances. Another viewer expressed surprise at enjoying a sports biopic and praised the emotional depth of the story.
Giant is currently showing in cinemas across the UK, offering a unique cinematic experience.