Robert De Niro has new boxing film set to bow this summer. That thought alone might recall memories of the legendary performer’s iconic take in Raging Bull, one of the most admired movies in film history (and a role that brought De Niro his second Academy Award). The actor’s latest is entitled Hands of Stone and has been announced as a special screening at the upcoming Cannes Film Festival. The screening will also serve as a tribute for the actor who has a history with the prestigious festival (two of his features – Taxi Driver and Mission won the prized Palme d’Or and he served as president of the jury back in 2011).
Hands of Stone, written and directed by Jonathan Jakubowicz, tells the true story of Panamanian boxer Roberto Duràn (played by Edgar Ramirez) as he achieved global success in his field during the 1970s and 1980s. De Niro portrays his coach Ray Arcel. He film also stars Jurnee Smollett-Bell (True Blood), Ana de Armas (Knock Knock), Ellen Barkin (Another Happy Day) and John Turturro (Exodus: Gods and Kings). The Weinstein Company is in charge of Hands of Stone; coincidentally they backed the boxing film Southpaw just last year, a film that was flirted to play at Cannes but never actually did.
De Niro commented, “I’m excited to be coming back to Cannes especially with this movie Hands of Stone that I’m so proud of. This movie is uplifting, triumphant and a good time for audiences, so I’m looking forward to seeing my friends from across the world of cinema in joining us for this fun event.”
The 2016 Cannes Film Festival will run from May 11th-22nd. Hands of Stone will open theatrically in the U.S. on August 26th.
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