Manny (I) (2014) User Reviews

Well-Made, Unexpectedly Emotional Documentary

[3xHCCH · 8/10 · 13 March 2014]

This documentary is about the life and career of Manny Pacquiao, probably the most famous Filipino celebrity the world over now. While we in the Philippines idolize him as our "National Fist," it would be very interesting to hear what other peoples have to say about him.

The film was narrated by Liam Neeson. It starts with Manny Pacquiao contemplating on why he boxes. Pacquiao mostly narrates his story in Filipino (with English subtitles). We learn that he joined fishermen when he was a poor boy growing up in Sarangani province. He credited that experience for developing his physical strength. From there, we will meet various people who have influenced his life and career.

Manny's mother Dionisia was restrained and sincere when she talked about his childhood. Too bad that would only be her only part in the film. His wife Jinkee had more participation, talking about their personal life. There was an obvious hesitation in some parts when she was going to say something negative, but that was understandable. Too bad there was no interview with his kids. It would have been good to know how he was as a father.

The bulk of this documentary will of course be about his boxing career. We will meet his uncle Sardo Mejia who taught 12 year old Manny about boxing. His childhood friend Buboy Fernandez was trained by Manny to be his assistant trainer. We will get to learn more about Freddie Roach, his own career, how they met and their present relationship. Top Rank promoter Bob Arum and innovative conditioning coach Alex Ariza are also featured prominently. Former managers Rod Nazario and Michael Koncz were not so favorably mentioned.

We get to witness the best scenes from Pacquiao's most memorable fights. There was that 1995 match with a certain Rossel, Manny's first significant win that started him on his winning path. There was that match vs. Hussein in 2000, the first actual match Jinkee watched live, and she was six months pregnant then. His first match in the US, vs. Ledwaba, which Manny convincingly won despite being a longshot.

There were highlights of his matches with Barrera, Morales, Solis, Diaz, Marquez, dela Joya, Hatton (that chilling knockout), Cotto, Margarito (that unprecedented eighth world title), and Bradley (that controversial loss by decision). There was of course mention of the dream match which may never be, that elusive one vs. Floyd Mayweather.

We will also see Manny's forays into the entertainment scene. There were movies like "Wapak-Man" and "Anak ng Kumander", which did not exactly get good reviews nor good box office. There was his singing "Imagine" on TV with Will Ferrell. We see inside footage of Manny recording "Sometimes When We Touch" in Capitol Records, with no less than Dan Hill himself coaching him (which I found so funny). There was also a quick montage of his multiple product endorsements locally and abroad, many of which we have not seen before.

We will see his career in politics as congressman of the lone district of Sarangani. There were even predictions posed about a possible presidency. There was also footage from a prayer meeting where Manny was the motivational speaker. There were thoughts shared about how these other activities were affecting his boxing career.

The celebrities they interviewed were also interesting, from Mark Wahlberg to Imelda Marcos! It was heartening to hear testimonies of Manny's greatness from foreign boxing experts, how he is mentioned in the same breath as Muhammad Ali. It was not all roses and plaudits though, as his early financial problems (not yet the tax woes) and many vices were also brought up.

This must have been a nightmare to wade through all the footage and media appearances and edit it together into an inspiring and truly touching feature-length documentary such as this one. One of the directors is Leon Gast who won an Oscar in 1996 directing another documentary about boxing "When We Were Kings." That film was about the iconic Ali-Foreman "Rumble in the Jungle" match. The other director is a Fil-American Ryan Moore. This is Moore's first commercial film project.

I think "Manny" succeeds in its aim to craft a fair character study of a man who came from nothing, who pushed himself to achieve great things for himself and his whole country. This is a very well-made documentary feature, unexpectedly an emotional film which will move many to tears.

An Interesting Biopic about a Boxer with much Greater Ambitions

[JustCuriosity · 6/10 · 12 March 2014]

Manny appeared to be well-received in its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival. The film is certainly informative for those of us who haven't followed Manny Pacquiao's multi-faceted career carefully. His story of his rise from a hut in an obscure Philippine village to international superstar is a truly impressive rags-to-riches tale. He has managed to successfully leverage his boxing career to move into other arenas including acting, music, religion, product endorsement and most intriguingly now politics. His determination and hard work are extremely impressive as he has risen to become a transcendent figure in the Philippines. The film has a bit too much footage of too many fights and lacks in-depth analysis of who the man behind the fighter really is. The film often strays from documentary into hagiography so that it doesn't feel like a truly objective presentation. It comes off more like an extended campaign biography for his future political career as his boxing career is winding down. Some of the metaphors such as Manny as a "fighter" who fought for the pride of his country and now will fight for the people of the Philippines feel a bit forced. It is difficult to tell if his recent focus on his faith reflects a genuine transformation away from his past sinful ways - drinking and womanizing - or a political tool to enhance his future political career. The film remains informative and entertaining, but needs to be taken with several grains of salt.

A Hit in My Books

[fossicle · 8/10 · 25 July 2015]

I did not have great expectations for this movie and I found myself immersed in watching it.

When I first started watching it, I thought it was another HBO boxing documentary but my feelings changed quickly in the first five minutes.

It does not just give you boxing but includes a very nice introspective on Manny the person from when he was growing up until his new perspective on life itself. Most people do not realize all the activities this man is associated with and the movie enables you to get a better perspective on the Pacman.

I really enjoyed it.

A hit in my books!

Ready to Rumble

[ferguson-6 · 7/10 · 8 February 2015]

Greetings again from the darkness. Growing up in extreme poverty in the Civil War-torn Philippines, sleeping in a hut made from coconut tree leaves, and working with fishermen as a young boy, Manny Pacquiao spent his childhood not dreaming of becoming a world champion boxer and celebrity, but rather wondering if there would be food to eat on any given day. This background is probably what inspired co-directors Ryan Moore and Leon Gast (Oscar winner for When We Were Kings) to focus less on Manny's personal flaws and more on his extraordinary road to success.

Opening with Michael Buffer's familiar "Let's get ready to rumble", the film does exactly that. Obviously much of the film highlights Manny's boxing career, beginning as an extremely young fighter with a slight build and carrying through to his record-setting titles in 8 weight classifications, but it also does an admirable job of helping us get to know the man behind the fame.

As Pac-Man finds more success in the ring, we witness the exponential growth of the circus environment – his training camp, the media onslaught, the endorsements, the lousy movies, his re-discovery of religion, and his political aspirations. We meet his cutting edge fitness trainer Alex Ariza and his long-time boxing trainer and friend (and former boxer) Freddie Roach. Freddie's story is probably worthy of its own documentary, as he trained under his mentor, the legendary Eddie Futch, and blames his Parkinson's Disease on staying in the game a few fights too long.

The film acknowledges, but only in a cursory manner, the dark side of boxing. Manny's first two managers are blamed for some of his early financial woes, as is his business adviser Michael Koncz … and promoter Bob Arum is certainly a guy who deserves a bit more scrutiny. Questionable decisions in key matches are mentioned, but no further investigative reporting is offered … handled just as the sport itself does. This hole would be less obvious had not so much of the film focused on Manny's boxing career.

We get a taste of Manny's charm and appeal. Actor and fight fan Mark Wahlberg makes a great observation in his interview, as he points out that Manny's entry into the ring for a fight is filled with smiles and waves … as if he had not a care in the world. But then once he steps into the ring, he can "flip the switch" and find the focus to fight his fight. We also see Manny on talk shows, and in a truly priceless sequence, we go into the recording studio as Manny sings "Sometimes When We Touch" … while being mentored by the song's original singer/songwriter Dan Hill.

The film does nice work in letting us see Manny make the move into politics – he's now a twice elected representative in his hometown Sarangami province. There is also footage of him in his ministry as he confesses to a sinful past left behind in favor of his family and clean living. Some of the interviews with Jinkee (his wife) are the most emotional moments in the film. Along the way, we are privy to some of Manny's philosophical thoughts: "Loss is a reminder of what's important in life", and when times are tough, "You get back up. You fight again". Manny's talent has etched his place in boxing history, but his approach to life is what contrasts him from many other great fighters like Floyd Mayweather (whose brief appearances flash enough ego to turn anyone's stomach). That hut in the Philippines may be long gone, but the film shows us that Manny is here to stay.

A Means To An End.. and thanks to the producers

[A_Different_Drummer · 6/10 · 5 December 2014]

At the end of the day, when all the die-hard fans have had their say, this film will be remembered mainly for introducing Manny to a wider audience.

Which, to be clear, is a very good thing.

I have seen a lot of boxing films, and attended a number of live fights. I do believe that Manny by his very example has added a new chapter to the history of the sport. His speed, power, accuracy, and ability to throw at angles that would mystify even a geometry teacher -- these are awesome skills to behold. And his willingness to move outside his weight class, time after time, bespeaks a heart bigger than Wyoming. If not for this film, I would never have seen all this, and for that I thank the film makers.

Which leaves the topic of the film itself. First, what is the yardstick? If you do the research you will find that more feature films (bipic and documentary) have been done on Ali than any other boxer. Fortunately for this review, I have seen them all.

How does Manny compare, as a film? Not very well, I am afraid. It wanders and it lacks focus.

If Manny boxed like the director of this film directed, he would have knocked out while still a teenager.

In fairness, with Ali, there was a natural story arc in the way the entire world gave up on him going into the Foreman fight, and Manny's story lacks that central theme.

That said, it is still a weakish film.

Even for non-boxing fans an interesting documentary to watch

[deloudelouvain · 7/10 · 17 February 2017]

Interesting sport documentary about the famous Philipino boxer Manny Pacquiao alias Pac Man. Even for people that are not really into boxing or sports in general it's a well done and easy to watch biography of a great champion. It tells the story from his young age as a poor kid in a family that didn't have food on the table every day to the champion he became after fighting his way to the top. He defeated almost everybody in a lot of different categories and earns much respect for the way he did it. Always humble and looking like he's not worried about a fight he has that charming look that makes you interested in his story. The only down point to me is his strong beliefs in a God. If he's a world champion it has absolutely nothing to do with a God, it's because he's the best and that's it. Manny "Pac Man" Pacquiao will definitely go in the list of greatest boxers all time.

how the world of boxing works

[vilagossz · 9/10 · 1 December 2014]

the movie is very interesting documentary about Manny Pacquiao's life, success, and actual behind the scenes things. but i have a different take about the movie than most people, i think it really just showed how corrupt boxing can be, in a very subtle way, and how stars are made. the movie was mainly just about Manny, but for me it opened my eyes about many things. bare with me a little. I think the true purpose of this movie is just to subtly tell people how corrupt Bob Arum is. i even read his wikipedia page, and it is full of controversy, how he bribed people. SPOILER: so the ending was obviously just Bob arum trying to make a new star for people, the new young guy Bradley, so he paid the judges off... interestingly, he sponsored BOTH boxers, the fitness guy even told us many times how Manny is used, and Bob is the only one making profit here. there are many subtle hints by Mayweather too that he won't fight with Manny until he is sponsored by bob arum .fearing of lawsuit they don't say anything bad about him, they just implied he is paying off judges, by saying "how can a guy at 105pounds win against a much skilled guy who is 150 pounds... he CANT..." first seemed idiotic statement since he won against them. but the end got me thinking that all Bob did was to make a legend to make more profit for himself (and for Manny too at that time). to make a legend you need him to win in all leagues, meaning he IS a good fighter but people were probably bribed along the way (judges, maybe fighters, etc, i don't know) without knowledge of Manny. there was a win by decision of him too which should have been a loss. (probably judges paid) but this time he was on the winning side, because his sponsor Bob Arum still had plans with him, making him into a legend. but then when he became a legend, it was time for a new champion and more money, the ending with Bradley. that judge decision was so bad, that in wikipedia it states WBO's Championship Committee would review the video of the fight with five independent judges. people made a vote and even asked some other professional boxers/commentators what do they think about it, and all of them gave it to Manny. but doesn't matter, only NSAC can change the result. and they didn't, so later they had a fight again with Bradley which was won by Manny.

so good to keep this in mind how stars are made and how hard working honest people are used in that world. disgusting. but the movie was an eye opener for me, and i guess they couldn't focus more on Bob Arum's corruptive nature due to fear of lawsuits for defamation.

More than a Boxer

[moivieFan · 7/10 · 26 December 2019]

I am not a boxing fan but, I liked learning about manny pacquiao.It's great that he came from nothing and was able to make a name for himself in boxing.

He is a senator in the Philippines, a boxer, he likes to sing, he is married, has kids. I knew none of those things before I watched Manny.

I thought manny was a good overview of his life. It was worth the time I spent watching it. I am glad I got to learn somethings about a man I did not know much about.

Manny is a compelling and entertaining documentary.

[bdburmeister · 8/10 · 29 October 2017]

Opening with an intense sequence of highlights and lowlights from one of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao's many fights with Juan Manuel Marquez, the documentary film, Manny, hopes to quickly establish that in fighting, just as in life, things don't always go as planned. Within the opening moments, we see Manny Pacquiao, for whom the film is named, eat shot after shot. Then get dropped to the mat.

"If you're a fighter, truly a fighter, then you get back up."

Those are the words of celebrity narrator Liam Neeson, setting the stage for the film's ultimate purpose: to establish Pacquiao as courageous, determined, and tough.

He is most certainly that.

Manny spends much of its 87 minutes showing the man behind the boxer who has held titles in eight different weight classes. Pacquiao hails from the humblest of beginnings. Raised in a hut in the war- torn Philippines by his mother, Pacquiao recounts how, "Sometimes we would go days without eating." To help his family, he dropped out in the sixth grade. By age 13, he realized he needed to do more to raise his family out of poverty—and so he snuck away from home to become a professional boxer.

What sounds like the plot of a campy novel actually happened. The film shows footage of fight after fight in which a small, scrawny, teenage Pacquiao competes, dominating and then knocking out opponent after opponent.

The name he builds for himself begins to grow, and with it his world.

The highly entertaining film includes a chorus of voices from Pacquiao's life as he moved from the Philippines to the United States to pursue his boxing dreams. From his family, coaches, and trainers to sports journalists and even the celebrities who sought to be a part of his entourage, the film offers a wide variety of perspectives on Pacquiao. Hollywood stars Mark Wahlberg, Jeremy Piven, Jimmy Kimmel, and boxing greats like Evander Holyfield weigh in on Pacquiao's legacy and what makes him such a tremendous fighter and charismatic individual.

In an enjoyable but clear marketing attempt to hype the then- unscheduled but highly clamored for Mayweather-Pacquiao superfight, Manny does much to charm the viewer into liking its star. Pacquiao is presented as a dedicated family man, a driven humanitarian, an adorably terrible singer (with singing aspirations!), and the victim of exploitation at the hands of crooked promoters. Meanwhile, Floyd Mayweather, whose role in the film is small, is portrayed as a WWE- style heel—an individual so self-interested and contemptible, that the viewer is forced to want Pacquiao to punch his face off.

The overall film is a great ride: Manny is a popcorn documentary with a compelling story, some big stars, and a solid mix of action and humor. Whereas the documentary may fall short for die-hard fight fans, who might desire true insight into his Pacquiao's training habits or technique (and will find little of that here), the casual sports fan will likely be satisfied with the story of a boy who came from nothing but fought his way to fame and fortune.

This documentary wasn't a knock out. Still, it was watchable

[ironhorse_iv · 7/10 · 7 May 2015]

In this documentary, directed by Leon Cast & Ryan Moore of 1995's 'When We Were Kings' fame, we, the audience got to witness the best scenes from Pacquiao's most memorable fights. The facts of the documentary is very accurate in terms of sporting. It doesn't hide, the fact that Manny Pacquiao did lose, some fights. Despite the outcome of the matches being known, the film was still able to insert suspense and proper tension. I just wish, they didn't use, later boxing commentary for earlier boxing matches. It was bit, misleading. I didn't like how, they made boxing seem crude sport, while glosses over shadier aspects of the boxing world, as well. If you going to say, something about the sport, you might as well, put all your cards into it. I love, how the movie slow-down the historic footage, so that the hits have more impact to those who are watching this film. The film is narrated by Liam Neeson, who commands over the film. His timbre of his voice makes this, very good. The movie also does well with its amazing cinematography and editing. The mixer of both on-location shots, interviews and archival historic footage was used wisely. The musical scoring and editing are extraordinary. They elevate the documentary to high levels. We are swept along with every high and low of Manny's wonderful boxing career. This makes this film, a very well-made documentary. Still, it wanders around way too much on his boxing career, and not enough on his personal life. It really seem to lacks focus. This film feels more like hagiographic than a biographic, due it's one-sided, bias approach to story-telling. The movie doesn't make boxer Manny Pacquiao seem, like a flesh out character. It portray him, as this one-dimensional, all-out, boy-scout type of a guy. Yes, Manny Pacquaio is indeed, a hero, but we, the audience, need to see him, more like a human being, than saint-like. The film needs, to explore Manny Pacquiao's more grey side and his killer-like instincts. We need to know, why Manny Pacquaio chose to go into boxing, besides helping his family. The film doesn't even, bother mentioning the death of a young aspiring boxer and close friend, Eugene Barutag. It needs to talk about, the negative side of boxing and how corrupt, it is. This movie barely, mention how Manny felt, about the business. The movie doesn't show, how Manny's new-founded fame, has cause him, to act out, more. We never got to understand the mindset, in which, at the time, Manny was going through, when his popularity was indeed, rising. We don't know why, he risk his marriage with womanizing, drinking and heavy gambling, between the periods of his life, when his focus on his faith was in its lowest. We don't even, know how Manny Pacquiao met his wife, Maria Geraldine "Jinkee" Jamora, and why they feel in love. The film doesn't bother, mentioning, the steroid allegations against him, or his legal problems. It often shows Manny Pacuqiao doing charity events, or helping his country, but it doesn't show, why. Some of the metaphors such as Manny as a "fighter" who fought for the pride of his country and now will fight for the people of the Philippines feel a bit forced. It seem more like an extended political campaign video ad, than anything else. It needed more conflict, and drama, so that this documentary about a man who overcame insurmountable odds to become one of the most loved and respected boxers of all time would been more engaging. We want to see, why his redemption was needed. We want see him, to have success, but for this rags to riches Cinderella story, to work. You have to get a little dirty. While, the movie lacks in some things, it really success in others. The movie is very entertaining. The movie make jags at how laughable, Manny Paquiao's singing and acting career has gone. There was also a quick montage of his multiple product endorsements locally and abroad, many of which, a lot of fans have not seen before. The celebs interviewers that the movie bring in, for this, wasn't really needed, but they do, give some interesting information about the boxer. Most of all, Mark Walberg's thoughts on the way, how Manny Pacquiao's enter a fight. He brings up the fact that Manny is always smiling. Some of the most emotions scenes in the film are the ones, with his coach, Freddie Roach. You see them, as more than student and mentor. You see a father and son type, they love each other and it's shown in great detail, how much, they care for each other. I love how, we see what a hectic schedule Manny had, put himself, through and why the decline in his skills due to being unfocused leading up to the Marquez KO. The movie doesn't hide, the fact, that this redemption arch has hurt his boxing career. Most of all, I love how, Manny's philosophical thoughts with such lines, like "God knows best". That was indeed, powerful. The movie feels like a motivational video at times. The movie is bit dated, even for an early 2015 released. The movie makes it seem that a Floyd Mayweather fight will probably not going to happen, but it kinda happen, a few months later. Still, it's not the film's fault. Overall: It's a good documentary. I just wish, it was a little better, and more open-minded to showing a more complex side to Pacquaio. It's a must-watch for any boxing fan.

Great Documentary and A must view for Manny Pacquiao fans

[jmigoya · 10/10 · 2 December 2014]

If you've followed Manny Pacquiao's career then have a basic understanding of what the Documentary is about, I say basic because this goes really deep, it doesn't pull any punches (no pun intended)it shows the devastating KO at the hands of Marquez in slow motion with such clarity and from different angles even more clearly than I've ever seen it, it reminded be of how clear the Kennedy Assassination was shown in the movie JFK, well the KO is shown more clearly than you've ever seen it, but it's necessary to tell the tale of Manny Pacquiao, sure it's a bias documentary, after all it's about Manny Pacquiao so what can you expect, this film was produced prior to the Brandon Rios fight, so I wouldn't be surprised if this documentary evolves to include more recent events up to maybe including the Mayweather match up, it shows a more detailed relationship between Manny Pacquiao and Alex Ariza, these guys were friends for sure, sad they're not working together anymore, the relationship between Freddie Roach and Manny Pacquiao is more of the father and son type, they love each other and it's shown in great detail, you'll see what a hectic schedule Manny had and why we saw a decline in his skills due to being unfocused leading up to the Marquez KO, there are limitations to everyone without exceptions and to how much you can fill your plate up before it overflows, this is show again in detail, his Politian schedule, his fundraising events, his preacher appearances, his singing concerts, his live appearances on Jimmy Kimmel, fight promotion tours etc. then add at least a couple of hours a day training at the boxing gym, and you can understand why something had to give, the tale is told beautifully, and leaves you uplifted at the end, truly a one of a kind man, one of the nicest men you'll ever meet, a humble man who consoles others after his devastating KO loss, a man of unwavering faith, and consoles those who are saddened by his loss with a simple "God wanted it this way for a reason" and God knows best, what a powerful message this documentary sends, you'll understand what I mean, it's not just a boxing documentary, it's also a motivational video and much more

Pacman Fan Movie

[adaptor · 5/10 · 11 March 2021]

I enjoy watching Manny box -- seriously, who wouldn't -- and he has led a pretty amazing life. However, this film feels like it was made by the Manny Pacquiao fan club and not a real documentary film maker. It's still a fun watch but there is obvious bias leaking through. I just feel like there could have been so much more done with the source material if someone like Motivedia or Rummy's Corner had been involved (they both produce great boxing videos and analysis on YouTube).

Emotionally evocative with some curious content

[sammy-balamy · 8/10 · 23 December 2014]

Great video for insight into Pacquiao's mentality and background....a real flavour of life for the ordinary people of the Philippines...giving 'hard times' a whole new face.

The curious content is that sacked conditioning coach Ariza is portrayed as just as much of a friend or even more so than trainer Freddy Roach, that he's given so much of a voice in the film which derides some of the key people around Manny, then implications are made that Arum is largely responsible for the Floyd-PAC fight not taking place so far....Arum is featured (in a clip so short and edited it could easily be out of context)saying that this fight is not needed and will never take place.

Then he's also featured saying that the Mayweathers have been responsible for the breakdown.....All of this whilst Floyd's contradictions of which there have been many were left alone.

Koncz is also brought into question by Ariza as was Arum but Ariza is never once portrayed in a negative light, Roach is shown giving him the 'best conditioning coach in the world' accolade in a statement and a journalist is shown saying that Ariza was responsible for Pac gaining more power...which is pure speculation as Pac was KO'ing guys well before Ariza arrived.

Pacquiao is shown to behave as if he thought Marquez won their third fight in a heavily edited post fight press conference clip while Marquez is shown clearly stating that he won the fight which echoed the sentiments of the HBO commentators....when in actuality sports commentators around the globe were divided 50/50 over the outcome of the fight........ it's a curious choice of angles and makes me wonder if PAC had ultimate approval of the director's cut.

inspirational ........

[lubomirkulla123 · 10/10 · 24 January 2015]

well made documentary film. From nowhere to somewhere. this kind of movie would last. even after a hundred years. because, of substance,relevance and the longing human spirit of all generations. records come and go. but the story behind this man is very rare ..I find it amazing that Manny Pacquiao has risen from extreme poverty to being the wealthiest active boxer today, but yet he does not brag about his wealth and his achievements. Despite his status right now, he remains to be very humble, God-fearing, and respectful to his opponents and fans.

I know Pacquiao came from poverty, went away from home as a kid and sold donuts and cigarettes in the busy streets of manila just to stay alive and eventually ending up in a boxing gym. He slowly have risen in the ranks of boxing from being an untrained slugger to the powerful boxer-puncher we now know. But everyone is recommended to watch this and know the details behind his story.

Real Life Rocky

[tatayngtatlo · 10/10 · 29 January 2015]

The Documentary is one of the best i have seen for awhile... the story is happening right before our eyes. Emmanuel "Manny" Dapidran Pacquiao was born on December 17, 1978 in Kibawe, Bukidnon in Mindanao here in the Philippines. Born of a typical poverty-stricken Filipino family, at the age of 12, without a father. He was forced to work and provide for his family who sometimes have no food for the whole day. Manny Pacquiao left elementary school when his father left his mother to be with another woman. As an out of school boy, he helped his mom by selling breads and home made doughnuts peddling the streets of General Santos City.

As a young boy, Manny had his interests in boxing already. When not wandering the streets to sell his merchandise, he would be seen visiting other nearby villages and towns to compete for boxing matches most especially during town fiestas for a reward of just P150 (~US$3) for winners and P100 (~US$2) for the loser. The money that he gets would be a great help for his mom to support their living expenses.

Pacquiao started his professional boxing career at the age of 16 at 106 lbs. With his agility and power in boxing, he won a lot of boxing fights. One day, he got invited by one of the boxing personalities to go to Manila to hone his skills in boxing. He did not hesitate and asked the perimission of his Mother Dionisia who later on refused to give him her consent telling Manny that boxing is a brutal sport that can pose a lot of danger to his life. With his eagerness in boxing, Manny still went on and sailed to Manila to continue his training. This was the beginning of his legendary rise to greatness. which until this day never changed his friendly,humble,god fearing persona. the fame and fortune, which is a very,very hard to not to let it go in your head never changed him. He once said " in life, i have always been...a fighter"

Biased biopic but good for those who don't know him

[tdevil9 · 5/10 · 29 November 2014]

I agree with the comments from JustCuriosity.

The documentary film is understandably biased and tries to win over viewers by tugging at their heart strings. After watching it, I did some reading up and realized that the facts are not as rosy as this title makes it out to be. The documented facts, about why the Mayweather Jr fight did not happen, were not fully revealed. Many viewers will rain glory on the title character but I came out wondering why he is still risking his life, after having achieved what no-one else has achieved, when he has a wife and 5 children. I see only an innocent teenager who has been corrupted by fame, wealth and greed as he grew up. The documentary also throws bad light on his Management and Promoter. But the best part was when the sports conditioner said that boxers are essentially chewed inside and out, and then tossed aside for the new.

I'm also amazed at why the title is released so late in the Phillipines (1 year after being released in USA...)