Prince Naseem biopic Giant offers strong performances but familiar beats

Giant is a biopic about Prince Naseem Hamed that draws praise for Amir El-Masry and Pierce Brosnan's performances, while critics say the film follows familiar sports-biopic beats and gives notable focus to coach Brendan Ingle.

Giant tells the rise of Prince Naseem Hamed from Sheffield to international boxing fame, framed around his relationship with coach Brendan Ingle. Amir El-Masry appears as Naseem and Pierce Brosnan plays Ingle. Critics have weighed in ahead of the film's UK release on Friday, 9 January. Reactions are mixed, with praise for performances and reservations about the story's focus and tone. Critical takeaways: - Several critics praised the lead performances, noting El-Masry's physicality and Brosnan's charismatic presence. - Variety highlighted El-Masry's bravado and naturalism in the boxing scenes while saying the film gives more dramatic weight to Brosnan's coach role. - The Guardian said the film lacks nuance in its depiction of Naseem and that key dramatic moments feel flat. - The Irish Independent described the movie as broad and cartoonish and criticized its uneven focus between fighter and coach. - Multiple reviews noted that the narrative follows familiar sports-biopic beats rather than breaking new ground. Summary: Critics generally agree that Giant is anchored by committed performances but is uneven in its storytelling and emphasis, often shifting attention toward Brendan Ingle rather than fully developing Naseem's perspective. The film opens in UK cinemas on Friday, 9 January, and further audience reaction is undetermined at this time.