By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
Rachel Morrison ("Black Panther" and "Mudbound") makes an impressive directorial debut with
"The Fire Inside," a gripping and inspirational sports drama that highlights her distinctive vision.
Teaming with veteran producer and screenwriter
Barry Jenkins ("If Beale Street Could Talk"), Morrison brings to life an empowering true story of grit, glory and breaking down barriers.
It offers a captivating, behind-the-scenes look at the life of a living legend, Claressa "T-Rex" Shields, a groundbreaking American boxer who defied the odds to become one of the greatest athletes of her generation. Portrayed with fierce determination by
Ryan Destiny (TV's "Grown-ish"), Shields' journey is one of unyielding perseverance, resilience, and a relentless desire to carve her name into history.
For anyone grappling with self-doubt or facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, Shields is an example of the power of believing in yourself. Her story is not just about boxing; it’s about the fight for respect, recognition, and equality.
Hailing from the rough streets of Flint, Michigan, Shields dreamed of achieving what no other woman had accomplished before her: becoming the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing. "The Fire Inside" chronicles her rise from humble beginnings to global recognition, as she navigates the trials and triumphs that would define her career and her legacy.
From her early days at the local boxing gym to the pinnacle of Olympic glory, this film reveals the gritty and inspiring journey of a young woman who refused to be limited by her circumstances—or her gender.
In the film's early moments, we witness Shields' determination to break free from a turbulent upbringing. Raised in an unstable home environment, Shields faced trauma and neglect, including sexual abuse and the complex challenges of growing up with a mother who had her own set of struggles.
Despite these hardships, Claressa found solace and purpose in the boxing gym—though not without resistance.
Initially, the gym was a "boys" club," dismissing her as just another young girl who would never make it. But Shields wasn't about to let anyone define her limits. She knew she had the talent and the drive, and she wasn't afraid to prove it. Enter Coach Jason Crutchfield, (another star turn from Bryan Tyree Henry, "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts" and "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire").
Crutchfield saw the fire within Shields and took her under his wing, helping her hone her skills and build the confidence she needed to compete at the highest level.
Under Crutchfield's mentorship, Shields rose to prominence, ultimately winning the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials in the middleweight division. That victory would be the springboard for her Olympic debut—marking the first time women's boxing was included in the Games.
Shields made history at the 2012 London Olympics, becoming the first American woman to win a gold medal in boxing. Her success didn’t stop there; she returned to the 2016 Rio Olympics, defending her title and becoming the first American boxer—male or female—to win consecutive Olympic gold medals.
But "The Fire Inside" doesn't just focus on the high-octane boxing scenes or Shields' celebrated victories in the ring. It digs deeper into the personal and professional struggles she faced along the way. Even as her name became synonymous with Olympic gold, Shields had to confront widespread gender and racial discrimination—particularly when it came to securing corporate sponsorships and endorsement deals.
As Shields fought for respect in the ring, she also fought to earn the financial support and recognition she deserved.
Coach Crutchfield, too, faced uphill battles of his own, as he was told by one sponsor that the public simply didn’t want to watch women fight each other. But Shields refused to let this setback deter her, determined to prove that women belong in the boxing world and deserve the same opportunities as their male counterparts.
As if the pressures of her career weren't enough, Shields was also burdened by the weight of family obligations. Her estranged father, Clarence (Adam Clark, TV's "The Mayor of Kingstown") suddenly reappeared in her life, seeking a share of her success, while her mother also made financial demands.
Adding to the emotional strain, Shields found herself becoming a surrogate mother to her younger siblings, including a 15-year-old sister who finds herself pregnant.
Still, Shields remained focused on her goal, driven by an unshakable belief that she was meant for greatness. Her journey wasn't just about winning medals; it was about giving a voice to women in the sport. In 2018, her achievements were formally recognized when the Boxing Writers Association of America named her Female Fighter of the Year.
With stellar performances all around, including leads Brian Tyree Henry and Ryan Destiny, "The Fire Inside" is a gripping and emotionally charged film.
The sharp, unpredictable script by Jenkins and Morrison takes us beyond the typical sports movie tropes, offering a nuanced, powerful look at one woman's journey to make history. Now you know.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
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"THE FIRE INSIDE"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
