Heart (1987)
A gritty boxing drama about a washed-up fighter chasing redemption through one last, rigged bout.
Heart - Movie Information
- Original Title: Heart
- Release Year: 1987
- Directed by: James Lemmo
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 33m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 13, 1987 (United States)
- Alternative Titles: L'ultimo round (IT), Heart of a Champion (DE)
- Production Companies: Trans Atlantic Entertainment, New World Video
- Production Countries: United States of America
Heart - Plot
Eddie Brennan is a down-and out fighter with nowhere to go but up... and with just the right combination of guts and spirit to become a winner. Once a contender, Brennan is now a washed-up has-been living in a fantasy world halfway between the dreams of his glory days and the dreams of a comeback. And when a set-up fight disguised as a legitimate bout comes his way, he jumps at the chance. No one thinks Eddie can win... least of all his trainer. No one wants Eddie to win... especially the crooked promoters. But Eddie's got something to prove to them all... and to himself. And he'll do anything to show that he's got the heart it takes to be a winner.
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Heart - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- James Lemmo
Main Cast
- Brad Davis
- Jesse Doran
- Steve Buscemi
- Frank Adu
- Sam Gray
- Billy Costello
- Frances Fisher
- Saoul Mamby
- Daniel O'Shea
- Joseph Dolphin
Writers
- Randy Jurgensen
- James Lemmo
Producers
- Randy Jurgensen
Heart - FAQs
Who are the main actors in Heart (1987)?
Brad Davis leads the cast as Eddie Brennan, the down-and-out boxer at the heart of the story. He's joined by Jesse Doran, Steve Buscemi as Nicky, Frances Fisher as Jeannie, Frank Adu, Sam Gray, and Billy Costello, among others rounding out this gritty ensemble.
What is Heart (1987) about?
Heart follows Eddie Brennan, a once-promising boxer now living on faded glory and desperate dreams of a comeback. When a rigged fight lands in his lap, he grabs it — not because anyone believes in him, but because he still believes in himself. It's a raw story of pride, grit, and second chances.
Where can you stream Heart (1987)?
Heart (1987) is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, and the Shout! Factory Amazon Channel. You can also catch it free on The Roku Channel, Plex, and Plex Channel, or rent and buy it through Amazon Video.
Is Heart (1987) based on a true story?
Heart is not based on a specific true story. It's an original drama written by Randy Jurgensen and James Lemmo, though it draws heavily on the real-world atmosphere of small-time boxing — the broken dreams, corrupt promoters, and fighters clinging to one last shot at relevance.
What makes Heart (1987) stand out among boxing films?
What sets Heart apart is its unflinching focus on the human cost of a fighting life rather than the spectacle of the sport. Brad Davis delivers a quietly devastating performance, and the film leans into the seedier, morally murky side of boxing — rigged bouts, crooked promoters, and a man with nothing left to lose.
Who directed Heart (1987)?
Heart was directed by James Lemmo, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Randy Jurgensen. Lemmo brings a gritty, street-level sensibility to the film, grounding the boxing drama in a world that feels lived-in and authentically rough around the edges.
What are some movies similar to Heart (1987)?
If Heart resonates with you, check out Rocky Balboa (2006), Friday Night Lights (2004), The Harder They Fall (1956), Embattled (2020), and Far and Away (1992). These films share that same spirit of underdogs fighting against the odds, whether in the ring or in life.
When was Heart (1987) released?
Heart was released on November 13, 1987, in the United States. The film was produced by Trans Atlantic Entertainment and New World Video, arriving during a decade that saw a wave of gritty, character-driven sports dramas inspired by the success of the Rocky franchise.
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