She also learned that success doesnt necessarily solve your problems and the fight doesnt end with a medal.
RYAN DESTINY: It all started with the physical training.
I just wanted it to feel very real.
This Christmas, let chestnuts roast by ‘The Fire Inside’.
Brian, your character is the kind of coach everyone wishes for.
BRIAN TYREE HENRY: One, that I didnt have to train.
Image via Amazon MGM Studios
I got to be at crafty whenever I wanted to.
And I didnt have to get hit.
That was all for Ryan.
Image via Amazon MGM Studios
And it reminded me a lot of those places that felt like home for me.
Jason just felt like home.
I was reminded a lot about the mentors in my life who saw the potential in me.
I know it sounds so cliche, but its really real that they stick with you.
Sometimes youre not always getting that at home.
Sometimes youre not always getting it from the family that you were born into.
Image via Amazon MGM Studios
Sometimes it comes from outside sources.
I wanted people to see Jason and know that he exists.
He is still doing what he does in Flint, Michigan.
Hes still coaching kids, to this day, and he does it mostly for no money.
Most of it is volunteering.
HENRY: Thats truly what I loved about the relationship between him and Claressa.
The Fire Inside chronicles the journey of boxer Claressa ‘T-Rex’ Shields from Flint, Michigan, as she trains and becomes the first American woman to achieve an Olympic gold medal in boxing, highlighting her determination and athletic achievements.
They really aided in changing each others minds, not just about each other, but about themselves.
Why didnt I think about female boxers?
I dont know, that says something.
I was like, That dont make no sense.
If they saw my GPA, theyd laugh in my face.
And they were like, you’ve got the option to do it.
Write this mission statement.
Its scary, but its still a calling.
And so, I just hope that this movie is a testimony to all those who do that.
Written by Barry Jenkins, ‘The Fire Inside’ is a boxing film that shines outside the ring.
Ryan, you have a lot of fights in this.
DESTINY: Oh, thats hard.
Are there any other projects you would like to remake and put your own spin on?
I was thinking we should make a TV show out ofEves Bayoustarring Ryan Destiny.
DESTINY: As long as you cast me.
I dont care what it is.
HENRY: See how that comes out?The Witches of Eastwickis at the top for me.
Weve gotta do that.
I just love stuff like that.
Ryan Destiny and Brian Tyree Henry star in this groundbreaking athletic tale.
DESTINY: Oh, my gosh, yeah.
Thats definitely a goal of mine.
Its definitely something that I really want to do and Im looking into.
See how it all came back.
DESTINY: He only did that for the camera.
I just want you to know, everyone out there.
HENRY: Its still real, even if theres a camera there.
The Fire Insideis now playing in theaters.
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