Klitschko (2011)

83% of critics liked it
(18 reviews)
87% of users liked it
(377 ratings)

Six-foot-six Ukrainian brothers Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko moved to Germany to begin careers in heavyweight boxing in 1996, and the sport was never the same. After a 15-year reign over the ring, they made history in 2008, becoming the first brothers in the sport to hold world titles at the same… More Six-foot-six Ukrainian brothers Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko moved to Germany to begin careers in heavyweight boxing in 1996, and the sport was never the same. After a 15-year reign over the ring, they made history in 2008, becoming the first brothers in the sport to hold world titles at the same time. Through an engaging mix of candid interviews and absorbing fight footage, Klitschko offers a captivating glimpse into the makings of these champion boxing brothers. But who are these smart gentlemen of boxing, each with a PhD and fluent in four languages? Will Wladimir dominate Heavy Weight Boxing for another five years; and will Vitali, the politician, someday become the President of Ukraine? Will they really stick with the promise they made to their mother, never to fight against each other? -- (C) Corinth

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 52 min.
Directed By: Sebastian Dehnhardt
Written By: Sebastian Dehnhardt
Genres: Documentary, Sports & Fitness

In Theaters: Oct 21, 2011 Limited
Studio: Corinth Films

Critic Reviews

V.A. Musetto, New York Post
Fawning and generic.
Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
Though this artful film by German documentarian Sebastian Dehnhardt does not stint on inside-the-ring footage, its main attraction is the intense interpersonal dynamic between the brothers.
Stephen Whitty, Newark Star-Ledger
It's a no-nonsense look at what it takes to become a champion - and what it takes out of a man to hold on to that title.
Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times
For those who care about the winning and losing of championship belts, the film's slow-motion attention to pugilistic style and powerhouse punches is thrillingly instructive.
Ronnie Scheib, Variety
The two-hour pic's lack of economy makes for heavy slogging, with no boxing minutiae too small for exhaustive exposition.
Nick Pinkerton, Village Voice
Fight fans will still find much of interest.
Alex Zane, Sun Online
A bit more blood, sweat and tears would have improved the scorecard.
Andrew Pulver, Guardian [UK]
Perhaps more could have been made of the older Klitschko's move into Ukranian politics, now such a hot potato - but that might be asking a bit much.
Jim Slotek, Jam! Movies
It's a story that commands attention, even for non-boxing fans.
Ron Wilkinson, Monsters and Critics
Great action footage combined with learned interviews. The steely-eyed Klitschkos contrast with the hype and flamboyance of the profession fight scene with amazing impact.
Brent Simon, Shockya.com
Klitschko at least showcases behemoth athletic champions who are worthy of role model status for reasons other than just their physical accomplishments.
Annlee Ellingson, Paste Magazine
Despite a confusing opening sequence and a disappointingly anticlimactic ending, Klitschko makes for a thrilling boxing documentary.
David Noh, Film Journal International
There's enough boxing footage, of course, to satisfy avid fans of the sport, but the brothers' personal history is the real attraction here, with its fascinating revelations about their homeland and culture.
Alison Willmore, AV Club
The result isn't quite a puff piece, but it feels like it's building up the brothers' self-approved mythology rather than getting under their skin.
David Fear, Time Out New York
A standard if formless ESPN hagiography, complete with a cheesy cop-show score and little sense of who these guys are outside of the ring.
Rob Humanick, Suite101.com
You don't have to be a sports fan to find poetry in their story and beauty in what these bodies are capable of.
Jennifer Merin, About.com
If you want to cheer for the Klitschkos, this profile will be enough for you. If you want to understand them, you'll need more.
Lauren Wissot, Slant Magazine
Smartly, Dehnhardt's film eschews hype and goes far beyond mere talk.