Ving Rhames and Luii Talk Boxing and Self-Discovery in ‘Uppercut’ | EUR Video Exclusive
*The boxing ring becomes a battleground for resilience and self-discovery in “Uppercut,” the electrifying new film now in theaters, On Demand, and Digital.
Starring Ving Rhames and Luii (Luise Grossmann), the story follows Toni, a fierce and determined fighter striving to shatter expectations in the male-dominated world of boxing. Guided by Elliott, a tough but insightful former champion, Toni’s journey is as much about inner strength as it is about physical endurance. Here’s the official synopsis:
When Elliott, a tough ex-boxing champion, accepts the challenge to train Toni, the two mismatched characters form an unlikely alliance. Their sparring and Elliott’s keen insights show the resilient young fighter that real strength comes from the challenges you overcome when life throws its biggest punches your way.
Directed by Torsten Ruether, “Uppercut” co-stars Jordan E. Cooper and Joanna Cassidy. Watch the trailer below.
In our exclusive interview with Rhames and Luii, the stars open up about their characters’ dynamic, the deeper themes of the film, and what they hope audiences—especially young women in sports—take away from “Uppercut.”
Finding a Connection to the Boxing World
For Rhames, stepping into the role of Elliott felt natural due to his personal connections in the boxing world. “I know quite a few boxers like Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson. So that part of it came fairly easy for me. I didn’t have to prepare for that,” he shared. With a career steeped in action and physically demanding roles, Rhames found himself at ease portraying a seasoned fighter guiding Toni through her challenging journey.
The Evolution of Elliott and Toni’s Relationship
The film centers on the evolving relationship between Elliott and Toni, a dynamic that developed both on and off-screen. Rhames credited the film’s director for fostering an authentic bond between the characters. “We had a short rehearsal period, which we don’t normally get in films. (Ruether) really knew who the characters were, so he gave me a lot of his input on who Elliot is. And then a lot of things just happened naturally between her and I.”
The Strength and Resilience of Toni’s Character
Luii emphasized the significance of her character’s journey. “I think it’s so important to tell her story, especially to young women,” she said. While Toni is a determined female boxer striving for respect in a male-dominated sport, Luii pointed out that her struggles mirror those faced by many in today’s world. “She shows how this generation is struggling nowadays because they might not know what they want and they are overwhelmed by so many things. But she is still going to get it. She becomes this female boss in this male-dominated industry… I hope young women feel inspired by her.”
The Film’s Broader Message
Beyond its portrayal of boxing, “Uppercut” carries a universal theme of understanding and connection. Luii sees the relationship between Toni and Elliott as a reflection of society’s need for open-mindedness. “It might be a boxing movie, but it’s not really about boxing,” she explained. “It’s about these two people who are curious about each other, who go out of their comfort zone. I think, especially in these times, where we are so much apart from each other and we are not listening to each other anymore, it’s such an important thing that people do more (listening) and are curious about each other.”
What Audiences Can Expect
When asked what excites him most about “Uppercut,” Rhames had a simple but powerful response: “The truth.”
Watch our full conversation with Ving Rhames and Luii below.
READ MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: Jordan E. Cooper Shines in Powerful Boxing Film ‘Uppercut’ Alongside Ving Rhames | EUR Video exclusive
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