Entertainment

Op-Ed: ‘Born a Champion’ is one of the best martial arts films of 2021

“Born a Champion,” directed by Alex Ranarivelo, is one of the best martial arts films of 2021. Digital Journal has the scoop.

Markos Papadatos

Published

October 14, 2021

Sean Patrick Flanery in 'Born a Champion.' Photo Courtesy of Lionsgate

Sean Patrick Flanery in 'Born a Champion.' Photo Courtesy of Lionsgate

“Born a Champion,” directed by Alex Ranarivelo, is one of the best martial arts films of 2021. Digital Journal has the scoop.

Lead actor and screenwriter Sean Patrick Flanery delivers a tour de force acting performance as Mickey that is rich, brave, and powerful opposite Dennis Quaid as Mason. The script was co-written by its exceptional director Alex Ranarivelo and Flanery.

“Born a Champion” tells the story of Mickey Kelley, who is one of the first American black belts in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He gets pulled away from everything that he loves and into an unsanctioned MMA tournament.

Katrina Bowden also stars as Mickey’s wife Layla. “Born a Champion” earned a favorable review from Digital Journal, where it was hailed as “riveting,” and rightfully so. It is worth more than just a passing glance. The performances by the main cast all around are extraordinary.

Katrina Bowden and Sean Patrick Flanery in 'Born a Champion' — Katrina Bowden and Sean Patrick Flanery in ‘Born a Champion.’ Photo Courtesy of Lionsgate

“Born a Champion” is available on Amazon Prime Video.

Read More: Digital Journal’s Markos Papadatos chatted with Sean Patrick Flanery.

In this article:Alex Ranarivelo, Born a Champion, Film, katrina bowden, Martial arts, Sean Patrick Flanery

Written By Markos Papadatos

Markos Papadatos is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for Music News. Papadatos is a Greek-American journalist and educator that has authored over 20,000 original articles over the past 18 years. He has interviewed some of the biggest names in music, entertainment, lifestyle, magic, and sports. He is a 16-time "Best of Long Island" winner, where for three consecutive years (2020, 2021, and 2022), he was honored as the "Best Long Island Personality" in Arts & Entertainment, an honor that has gone to Billy Joel six times.