Watch Heart, Baby!

Heart, Baby! is a 2017 film that tells a true story about a young boxer named George Lee Martin, played by Gbenga Akinnagbe. Martin's life is forever changed when he is sent to prison and discovers a talent for boxing. With the help of his cellmate, Doc (Jackson Rathbone), Martin begins to fight competitively and works his way up the ranks of the prison boxing circuit.

Throughout the film, Martin struggles to keep his spirits up as he grapples with the harsh reality of prison life. He forms a close bond with Doc, who becomes not only his trainer but also his closest friend. Together, they dream of one day becoming professional boxers and breaking free from the confines of prison life.

As Martin begins to find success in the ring, the film explores the larger societal issues surrounding prison boxing. The sport is often viewed as exploitative, with inmates being used as cheap entertainment for the amusement of guards and other officials. Heart, Baby! tackles this issue head-on and questions the moral implications of profiting off the pain and suffering of prisoners.

The film is not without its heartwarming moments, however. Martin falls in love with a woman named Beverly (Shawn-Caulin Young), who visits him in prison regularly. Their relationship provides a welcome respite from the often bleak and violent world of prison life, and Martin sees Beverly as his reason for continuing to fight.

One of the standout performances of the film comes from Akinnagbe, who gives Martin a quiet strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Rathbone also shines as Doc, bringing a sense of humor and warmth to his portrayal of Martin's mentor. Young is also impressive as Beverly, grounding the film with her emotional presence.

Director Angela Shelton does an excellent job of balancing the film's serious subject matter with moments of levity and humor. She maintains a steady pace throughout, keeping the audience engaged and invested in Martin's story. The film's boxing scenes are also well-executed, with Shelton creating a sense of urgency and tension as Martin faces off against his opponents.

Overall, Heart, Baby! is a powerful and thought-provoking film that sheds light on the often-overlooked world of prison boxing. The performances are strong, the direction is assured, and the film's message is an important one. It raises important questions about the morality of exploiting prisoners for entertainment, while also celebrating the human spirit and resilience in the face of adversity.

Heart, Baby! is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.