‘Heartfelt’ James Bond reunion based on ‘gripping’ true story out now | Films | Entertainment

A new film starring James Bond’s Pierce Brosnan and based on the inspiring story of a British sporting icon is hitting cinema screens this week.

Executive produced by Rocky legend Sylvester Stallone, Giant stars The Crown’s Amir El-Masry as Sheffield-born boxer Naseem Hamed, a multiple world championship winner between 1995-2000.

Tackling his troubled upbringing facing racism and Islamophobia throughout the 1970s and 80s, the film follows ‘Prince’ Naseem’s rise to fame as well as his complex relationship with his mentor, Irish boxing coach Brendan Ingle (played by Brosnan).

Written and directed by Rowan Athale, Giant is a must-watch for both sports fans and Bond enthusiasts as it features Brosnan on top form in a role that couldn’t be further from the suave secret agent.

Notably, the film also stars Toby Stephens, who portrayed the villain Gustav Graves opposite Brosnan in the 2002 Bond film Die Another Day.

The Daily Telegraph heaped praise on his performance as Naseem’s promoter Frank Warren in their four-star review, writing: “Toby Stephens all but steals the show as Warren.

“He gets a set-piece monologue about the changing culture of the 1990s – all lads’ mags, earrings and fast cars – which he tucks into like prime rib.”

Giant has received acclaim from several publications so far, with Dexerto calling it “gripping from beginning to end”.

City AM described it as “heartfelt” and Film Stories called it “thumping big screen cinema”.

RadioTimes also gave the film four stars, writing that “Amir El-Masry perfectly replicates the boxer’s fighting style” and calling Brosnan “excellent”.

“Despite being executive-produced by Sylvester Stallone, this is more melancholy than Rocky-like, and all the better for it,” they added.

Fans who have managed to catch early screenings of the film have also been raving, including one movie buff who gave it a five-star Letterboxd review: “Unbelievable storytelling structure. Funny as hell, authentic and moving. Almost cried at the end too. Pierce Brosnan phenomenal as always.”

Another cinephile gushed: “I loved this from start to finish. Once again, not a film I’d normally watch (sport and biopic) but from seeing the trailer I knew I had to watch. The story was so good and it did have me tearing up. I love Pierce Brosnan and everything he touches, so I knew I’d enjoy.”

A third enthusiast called it “the ultimate crowd pleaser. It was funny, dramatic, action packed and had some incredible performances, mainly by Pierce Brosnan and Amir El-Masry.”

And a final fan exclaimed: “OHMYGODD. Now this was a movie that genuinely felt so personal that when it was over, tears hit me like a truck over how it ended.

“A movie so phenomenal on so many levels with colour grading that feels like nostalgia for a life that isn’t even mine.”

Giant is in UK cinemas now.

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