I could watch Ramírez read the phone book, as the old saw goes. He is one of the most vibrant and charismatic actors working today. He infuses Durán with a charm and a recklessness that is tempered by De Niro’s quiet, understated performance, something he can do in his sleep.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
Even though the film can’t focus on one subject, Hands of Stone does boast notable performances from its leads, especially Ramirez.
Slant Magazine by Elise Nakhnikian
The Panamanian-born Roberto Duran's story has all the makings of a fascinating film, but Hands of Stone isn't it.
The A.V. Club by Ignatiy Vishnevetsky
Somehow, Hands Of Stone even manages to make Don King (Reg E. Cathey) seem bloodless.
The Guardian by Jordan Hoffman
One sees film-making like this and can only say: no más.
The Hollywood Reporter by Leslie Felperin
Hands of Stone is far from perfect, but it punches above its weight enough to prevent it from being easily dismissed.
Gets the job done, but it’s hard to escape the feeling that you’re watching a routinely conceived, rather generic boxing flick. It’s utterly competent, yet it makes Duran’s story seem a little so-what?
Unfortunately, the new biopic Hands of Stone...is too often content to play like a lot of other boxing flicks instead of forging its own path.
Hands of Stone is still a first-rate boxing picture, a B-movie with just enough A-picture touches to make it sting.
Screen International by Tim Grierson
Hands Of Stone tests how far a film can go solely on heart, and in this case, it turns out to be just enough to overcome biopic conventionality.