Giant - Review

Now Make Them Remember.

Review written by Jack Aling

Giant is directed by Rowan Athale and written by Rowan Athale.

Follows Prince Naseem Hamed from his humble beginnings on the tough working-class streets of Sheffield and his unlikely partnership with trainer Brendan Ingle, charting his rise to boxing superstardom amid rampant racism and Islamophobia in 1980s and 90s Britain.

Giant leans on many of the sports underdog stereotypes, like Rocky but with a notably 1990's British personality. Following the rise and career of boxer Prince Naseem Hamed, I was not familiar with his story despite being so close to home.

Though in an unexpected comparison, Giant takes a similar route to Elvis

- focusing on the story through the lens of his trainer and manager, played here by Pierce Brosnan.

The story doesn't break any new ground in the sports genre, which is prominent as it fabricates an artificially cathartic third act which actively works to undo the good work the film has set up.

Uplifting and motivating, but ultimately lacks a punch.

Our verdict: 4 out of 5 stars.

Giant arrives in UK cinemas 9 January 2026.

Read more of Jack's reviews at: letterboxd.com/TheJackAling