Writer: Naseem Randhawa

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Watch this if you liked: "The Patriot", "Ladder 49", "Good Will Hunting" & "The Town"

We have seen countless of inspirational real-life stories, but what sets "Stronger" apart is its solid storyline that doesn't just show the protagonist picking up the pieces for a second chance of life.

The second act is the remarkable part of him not only surviving, but also helping to catch the antagonist.
Jake Gyllenhaal plays the real-life Jeff Bauman, a young man who lost both of his legs at the Boston Marathon bombing and then wrote a book about it.

In the film we see the aftermath Jeff had to face after the bombing and his consequent therapy getting used to prosthetics. He's bravery in helping authorities find the bomber is applauded by his town, although Jeff still struggles to understand why he is regarded as "Strong".

There is a definite Boston charm to the movie despite its somber subject matter (think "Good Will Hunting" and "The Town"). The brash humour of the Bostonites especially that of Jeff's family balances out the pace wonderfully.

There might be the usual inspirational movie tropes and what not, however strong performances all around especially from Jake Gyllenhaal and Tatiana Maslany (who plays his girlfriend) make this movie a must see.

Cinema Online, 10 October 2017