The Hammer

The Hammer, also known as Heart, Baby!, is an engaging 2017 drama film distinctively based on a true story about a profoundly inspiring man’s quest to choose the right path even in the face of adverse circumstances. Directed by Angela Shelton, the movie presents a deeply human narrative that contrasts the brutal world of prison boxing with powerful themes of friendship and love.

Set in the 1980s, the story unfolds around George Lee Martin, portrayed by Gbenga Akinnagbe, a convict serving his time in the Tennessee Prison system. George isn't just any run-of-the-mill prisoner; he's a formidable boxing talent who, with his raw strength and swift agility, defeats all opponents thrown his way. With a series of wins under his belt, George quickly becomes the Tennessee Prison Boxing Champion, gaining notoriety and respect within the prison walls.

However, this is not just a tale about in-prison boxing motors. At it's heart, The Hammer tells the compelling story of George's unusual yet endearing friendship with his cellmate Doc, played by Shawn-Caulin Young. Doc is a trans woman serving her sentence alongside George, and their camaraderie evolves as she teaches him to read and writes love letters for him to his girlfriend. While George is ruthless in the boxing ring, at his core, he is a man of flesh, blood, and feelings, shining brighter under Doc’s nurturing friendship.

The crux of the movie arrives when George is presented with an opportunity that most would covet, but which throws him into a life-altering moral dilemma. Because of his unmatched boxing prowess, he gets a shot at the 1984 Olympics. This is a ticket to freedom, fame, and a life beyond the jail confines, but it comes with a catch; he has to fight for the United States, a country he feels doesn’t respect him as a black man or his friend Doc as a trans woman.

George's decision forms the emotional backbone of The Hammer, offering viewers a startling perspective on what it means to defend one's values at all costs and to make choices that resonate with one’s core being. The narrative compellingly explores the dynamics of race, identity, and agency at a time when society confined these notions within strict, discriminatory boundaries.

Gbenga Akinnagbe offers a stellar performance drawing you into George's emotional journey with his layered portrayal. The portrayal of George's relationship with Doc, a trans woman struggling for acceptance, rendered by Shawn-Caulin Young, brings a softer, emotional touch to the harsh prison environment, further enriching the narrative. Their performances, combined with the direction by Angela Shelton crafts The Hammer into a poignant tale of character development, personal values, and resilience, making it an emotional roller-coaster ride.

In addition to the engaging cast performances, The Hammer strikes a delicate balance between its grittier elements and more sentimental components. The screenplay never allows the boxing scenes to overpower the emotional depth of the characters' personal journeys. The film also boasts creative cinematography, with effective imagery and attention to detail that make the 1980s prison setting feel authentic and immersive.

Moreover, the original score by composer Bill Laurance beautifully complements this biographical drama. It provides a moving backdrop to the heart-wrenching and inspiring moments throughout the movie. Also noteworthy is the adept infusion of humor providing much-needed levity against the heavier themes of the film.

In conclusion, The Hammer is an engaging drama that offers more than just punches and takedowns. It's a film about humanity, friendship, integrity, and the power of personal choices. It's about extraordinary characters who are not so much defined by their circumstances, but by their heartfelt qualities and principles. While it may be set within the harsh walls of a prison, it is, at its core, a testament to the triumph of human spirit.