Fighting 2009
"Some Dreams Are Worth The Fight"
In Dito Montiel's gritty 2009 drama *Fighting*, Channing Tatum stars as Shawn MacArthur, a down-on-his-luck young man from a small town who lands in New York City with little more than street smarts and determination.
Director: Dito Montiel
Cast
Channing Tatum
Shawn MacArthur
Terrence Howard
Harvey Boarden
Zulay Henao
Zulay Valez
Roger Guenveur Smith
Jack Dancing
Brian J. White
Evan Hailey
Angelic Zambrana
Kimo's Girl
Michael Rivera
Ajax
Flaco Navaja
Ray Ray
Peter Anthony Tambakis
Z
Luis Guzmán
Martinez
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fighting (2009) about?
Fighting follows Shawn MacArthur, a struggling small-town kid who finds himself in New York City's chaotic streets. After selling counterfeit goods to get by, he's taken under the wing of Harvey Boarden, a savvy hustler who sees Shawn's potential as an underground fighter. Their uneasy alliance tests Shawn's limits as he navigates the city's dangerous world of crime and competition.
Who directed Fighting?
Dito Montiel directed Fighting. Known for his work on films like *A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints*, Montiel brings a raw, unflinching style to the gritty urban drama.
Who stars in Fighting?
The film stars Channing Tatum as Shawn MacArthur, alongside Terrence Howard, Zulay Henao, Brian J. White, and Angelic Zambrana in key roles.
Is Fighting (2009) worth watching?
Fighting offers a gripping blend of action and drama, anchored by strong performances from Channing Tatum and Terrence Howard. While it may not be a critical darling, its raw energy and underdog narrative make it a solid pick for fans of urban crime dramas. The 105-minute runtime keeps the momentum tight, though it lacks the polish of higher-budget action films.
How long is Fighting?
Fighting has a runtime of 105 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Fighting (2009) — Channing Tatum's gritty underdog story in NYC's underground fight scene
In Dito Montiel's gritty 2009 drama *Fighting*, Channing Tatum stars as Shawn MacArthur, a down-on-his-luck young man from a small town who lands in New York City with little more than street smarts and determination. Struggling to make ends meet by peddling counterfeit goods, Shawn's life takes a dramatic turn when he catches the eye of Harvey Boarden (Terrence Howard), a slick con artist who spots raw talent in Shawn's untapped ability for underground fighting. What begins as a reluctant partnership between two unlikely allies evolves into a high-stakes journey through the shadows of the city's criminal underbelly, where survival often depends on how hard you're willing to fight—both literally and figuratively.
Set against the neon-drenched backdrop of urban New York, *Fighting* blends raw action with emotional depth, exploring themes of redemption, trust, and the lengths people go to escape poverty. The film balances intense fight sequences with moments of quiet introspection, capturing the grit and resilience of its characters. With a cast led by rising star Channing Tatum and veteran actor Terrence Howard, *Fighting* delivers a compelling narrative that's as much about the bonds forged in struggle as it is about the thrill of the fight.
