"Broken Noses" is a documentary about a boxer, Andy Minsker, who was never able to make it big, but who never lost his love for boxing. Andy was the son of a boxer who also never made it to the top, but through his skills and dedication, instilled a passion for boxing in his son. In order to pursue his desire of boxing, Andy takes young boys under his wings and teaches them the intricacies of pugilism.
Throughout the documentary the viewer is led inside the private life of Andy from his childhood to the present. Interviews with both sets of parents (his parents are divorced and both have remarried), gives some insight into how Andy was raised, how he developed his personal philosophies, and how he came to be a boxer.
Throughout the film Andy seems to pour out his passion for boxing, and even though he didn't make it to a full professional level, there is no doubt that this young man had and even now has a passion that won't die. This can be seen in his interaction with the young boxers he is mentoring.
Several of the boys give personal interviews describing how they have benefited from training under Andy Minsker. He never lets them get too cocky, chiding them when they have won a fight but are rubbing it in to the loser of the fight.
In one poignant scene we see Andy lying on the ground with a group of boys huddled around him. Even as they joke and play, you can see that they have a great love and respect for their teacher. His love of teaching the boys is just as strong as his love for boxing.
Although the film may drag in some areas, the overall effect is overwhelmingly beautiful in its portrayal of a boxer who is in love with his sport and who has a knack for passing that passion onto the next generation. One may get the sense from watching this documentary that Andy is more in love with himself than boxing or mentoring, but that impression isn't a fair assessment of this film. This is a great boxing film that sheds a light on the inner workings of a boxer. A must see for any fan of boxing.
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