Watch The Ring

The Ring, a 1927 silent film, portrays the life of a disgraced boxer named Jack Sander (Carl Brisson) who is determined to make amends with his girl Mabel (Lillian Hall-Davis) after cheating on her with the flirtatious Queenie (Anny Ondra). Sander's passion for his craft is the center of the story, and director Alfred Hitchcock's - then a young filmmaker - unique blend of romance, drama, and suspense enhances the storyline, making it an excellent film.

The opening scene is set to a lively soundtrack, with brass instruments playing at maximum intensity. The audience is given a glimpse of a typical fairground, where they see people playing, and children having fun. It is against this backdrop that Sander, a prizefighter, is introduced, shadowboxing with a punching bag as his fellow boxers shower him with praise. Then we are introduced to Mabel, his long-suffering girlfriend, who is a ticket seller at the fairground, who eyes him in admiration.

The major theme of the narrative is the ringside struggle between Sander and his rival Bob Corby (Ian Hunter) for supremacy in the boxing world. Sander is so committed to the sport that he takes risks that endanger his chances of winning the championship. The storyline is driven by not only the boxing matches themselves but also the romantic subplots with Mabel and Queenie.

One of the most striking characteristics of The Ring is its editing style. The film's lack of sound allows the director to tell the narrative visually, which he achieves by using jump cuts to build tension and add drama. For example, the jump cut sequence during a boxing match clearly demonstrates the violence of the fighters' actions by showing their feet, sweating palms, and pained expressions.

Hitchcock's use of symbolism is evident in the film, as he utilizes a ring as a metaphorical device for both the boxing and romantic storylines. Sander and Corby both want to win the championship, but their shared affection for Mabel causes a rift in their friendship, much like the competition in the ring. Additionally, Mabel becomes a source of conflict for the two men; the ring symbolically separates the three characters, exemplifying the struggle in their relationship.

The film's climax involves a high-stakes boxing match that culminates in a nail-biting finish wherein Sander must step out of the ring and fight for the love of his life. The audience is left wondering if Sander will ever regain Mabel's trust and if he will be the boxing champion he desires.

The Ring is an excellent film about determination, love, and sacrifice. The cinematography is astonishingly done, especially when combined with the soundtrack that expressively lifts the movie. Hitchcock's direction is incredibly skillful, aptly depicting the emotional journey of the main characters. The storytelling is engaging, with an ever-present sense of intrigue that keeps the viewers' attention until the end. The performances are noteworthy, with Lillian Hall-Davis providing a standout performance in her role as Mabel, while Carl Brisson delivers a compelling performance as the boxer fighting for what he loves. Ian Hunter also performed well in the role of Sander's competitor and friend.

In conclusion, The Ring is a remarkable silent-era film with its ingenious storytelling, editing style, and performances. It is an early testament to Hitchcock's directing talent and a must-watch for anyone who loves a good romantic-drama delivered with flair.

The Ring is a 1927 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.