Plot and Themes
The documentary portrays Radford’s evolution from a rural farmhand to a renowned figure in the world of bare-knuckle boxing. He was given the moniker “The Beast of the Bales” because of his powerful combat and robust nature, and hay bales on his family farm served as his training grounds. The effect of such a plethora of battles, both physical and mental, are also visible on the family members of a boxer, and that effect is also described in the story.
Roberto Duran, Michael Bisping and more, his first professional fight, his fight with those giants as well as a horrible farming accident that misplaced him from the boxing ring are all included in the documentary. The accident makes the film more interesting by pulling the attention away from success, and putting it on determination and hope.
The film doesn’t shy away from the darker side of the sport, including:
- The physical risks of bare-knuckle fighting
- The impact on mental health
- The emotional toll on families
- The raw struggle to survive in a brutal, unforgiving industry
Radford’s story is more than a boxing tale; it’s about resilience, redemption, and finding purpose after tragedy.
Key Figures in the Documentary
Dave Radford
Radford is presented as a multi facet personality who is a ruthless fighter inside the ring but a gentle human outside explaining the nexus between the heart and soul of the documentary. He is extremely devoted to his family and community, he believes in holistic development where evolution is integral.
Roberto Duran
The film goes on to examine the evolution of karate, and finally focuses on Radio Radford – a character who specializes in bare-knuckle boxing. And in this endeavor, he gets assistance from the boxing champion, Roberto Duran. Throughout the film, Duran shares his experiences of working alongside Radford and reflects upon his style of fighting.
Michael Bisping
Former UFC champion Michael Bisping shares his thoughts on Radford’s legacy and the risks that fighters take every time they step into the ring.
Cultural and Social Impact
While The Beast of the Bales focuses on bare-knuckle boxing, the film resonates beyond the sport. It explores themes of masculinity, resilience, rural identity, and mental health. The rural backdrop of Radford’s life adds a layer of depth, showing how working-class communities find strength in traditions like boxing.
The film also sheds light on the growing popularity of bare-knuckle boxing, a sport that has existed for centuries but is only recently gaining mainstream attention. The documentary raises questions about:
- The regulation and safety of the sport
- The motivations of fighters
- The cultural significance of bare-knuckle boxing in working-class communities
Critical Reception
The movie has earned heaps of critical acclaim for its impressive engaging storytelling. It is rated 9.0 on IMDb which puts it up there among the best sport documentaries to have been made in the recent years. Many reviewers have praised the movie for centreing so much around the emotional aspect of it and said it was well balanced with the fighting clips and the other calm parts of the film.
A good number of the audience have said that the movie is similar to both “Rocky” and “Warrior” but with a down to earth and realistic setting.
Behind the Scenes
Over the course of three years, director Phil Smalley carefully monitored Dave Radford to find the most meaningful moments in his life. Never before seen materials encompassing Radford’s training and his life at home are synthesised along with exclusive interviews with his family, fellow fighters and the classmates.
Smalley’s plan was to make the fighter more like a person, proving that even the strongest of people has weaknesses.
Where to Watch
The Beast of the Bales is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime Video in the UK. It is expected to roll out to other streaming platforms globally in the coming months.
Why You Should Watch It
Fans of spin–sports documentaries, underdog films or rather rehabs and self mental recovery films, must see The Beast of the Bales. This film is more than just about boxing — it’s about fighting the toughest battles of life and finding purpose in them.