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Title: Steel Blooms

Director: Gary Ross

Screenwriter: Erin Brockovich

EXT. NEW YORK CITY - DAY - 1894

A bird’s-eye view of New York City unfolds, revealing the bustling life of the city in the late 1800s. The frame slowly zooms in, meandering through the skyscape, eventually descending through a veil of industrial smoke billowing from towering chimneys.

As we delve deeper into the city's landscape, the architectural splendors of the era stand alongside the humble abodes of the working class. The stark disparity between the opulent mansions and the cramped tenement houses paints a vivid picture of the socio-economic divide.

Transitioning smoothly, a flurry of newspaper clippings and articles take over the frame. The headlines roar with tales of SIDNEY JACKSON's (Sid) boxing triumphs, each clipping showcasing his ascent to stardom - the roaring crowds, the knockout punches, the glittering championship belts.

The montage accelerates, revealing more headlines, more victories, culminating in a captivating image of Sid, hands raised in triumph, surrounded by a sea of adoring fans.

As the newspapers flutter away, the frame transitions back to the humble beginnings of the Jackson family. The contrast is striking - from the roaring crowds to the quiet, simple life of a family striving for a better future amidst the smoke-stained backdrop of industrial New York.

The montage is accompanied by a poignant, orchestral score that sets the emotional tone, a blend of hope, struggle, and the indomitable spirit of aspiration.

CUT TO:


INT. JACKSON’S MODEST APARTMENT - FLASHBACK - MORNING

The sun casts a warm glow through the worn curtains of the Jackson's modest apartment, illuminating the humble living area. The walls, though barren, echo the hopes and dreams of a family striving for a better future.

Six-year-old SIDNEY JACKSON (Sid), an innocent boy with a heart full of dreams, sits comfortably on his father LOUIS JACKSON’s lap. Louis, a pipefitter by trade at a local chemical plant, bears the rugged facade of a man weathered by the hardships of manual labor. His hands, rough and calloused, gently cradle his son, juxtaposing his tough exterior with a tender heart.

The room is filled with the gentle hum of a summer morning, the silence only broken by the occasional distant clatter from the streets below. It’s a peaceful scene, a rare moment of respite from the demanding routines of life.

Louis's face, though weary, lights up as he spins tales of heroism to his son. His voice, warm and comforting, weaves stories of brave knights and wicked kings, transporting them both to a world far removed from their stark reality.

LOUIS
...And the humble knight, with nothing but courage, defeated the wicked king, giving all the stolen gold back to the poor…

Sid, his eyes wide and full of wonder, hangs onto every word, his father's tales igniting the embers of ambition and courage within him.

SID (whispering, with a soft glow in his eyes)
I wanna be like that…

Louis looks down at Sid, his eyes meeting the unyielding spark in his son’s. A tender smile curves on his lips, filled with a blend of hope and melancholy.

LOUIS
(smiling, his eyes softening)
You will be, Sid… Life will be different when you grow up.
...and one day, you'll fight your own battles, Sid. And you'll win, not with fists, but with your heart and mind.

Their laughter resonates through the room, a beautiful melody amidst the silence, as Louis playfully ruffles Sid's hair. The bond between them is palpable, a silver lining in the cloud of hardships that looms over the Jackson family.

As they revel in this tender moment, the harsh reality lurks around the corner. The fateful day arrives sooner than anyone could have anticipated. Louis, the quiet and humble man, never returns from the chemical plant one day, leaving a void that could never be filled.

The neighbors whisper, "Poor Louis, burned to ashes in the infernal work." But Sid refuses to believe. He knows his father was strong, not poor. His father could lift Rita, Ilai, and him, Sid, all at once. He knew people don’t burn; only matches and gas burn in the kitchen.

Sid waits for his father day after day, his innocent heart jumping at every knock on the door, hoping against hope for his father’s return, a return that was never meant to be.


CUT TO:

INT. JACKSON'S MODEST APARTMENT - FLASHBACK - MORNING

The rays of the Sunday morning sun highlight the fading colors of the walls. The once joyful apartment now echoes with the angst of uncertainty.

Sid's face tightens at each knock on the door, as if expecting his father to return. But the reality is harsher. The door swings open revealing the LANDLORD, a stout, bald man with a stern expression. He storms in, his voice like thunder as he berates the Jackson family. They've been evicted.

CUT TO:

EXT. JACKSON'S MODEST APARTMENT - FLASHBACK - MORNING

The streets watch silently as Mrs. Jackson and her children carry their scant belongings. Their life now compressed into a few boxes and bags.

CUT TO:

INT. NEW APARTMENT - FLASHBACK - EVENING

The Jacksons now reside in a cramped, dingy room, courtesy of the same landlord. The room is nothing more than a glorified closet, yet it comes at a cost.

The reality of their situation sinks in. The older siblings step up, venturing into the labor market. Ilai, with the help of family friends, finds employment at the same chemical plant his father had worked. It's as if fate has a grim sense of humor.

CUT TO:

INT. CHEMICAL PLANT - FLASHBACK - MORNING

The workers chuckle noticing the resemblance between Ilai and his late father. It’s not just the physical resemblance but the gentleness and the hesitant smile.

WORKER (chuckles)
Our supervisor didn't even realize it's a different Jackson.

Ilai's dreams however, are elsewhere, amidst the endless green fields and orchards of California.

FLASHBACK TO:

EXT. CALIFORNIA FARM - DAY

Young Ilai, accompanied by his father, wanders through the giant trees and picturesque valleys of a distant relative's farm in California. His eyes sparkle seeing the fruits he had only seen in stores, growing naturally. This was a world unknown, a world where he wanted to belong.

Ilai's face lights up as he picks fruits straight from the trees, the lush greenery, and the clear blue skies seemed like a canvas of his dreams.

ILAI (enthusiastically)
Dad, let's stay here... let's bring mom here too...

LOUIS
But son, where will I work? There's no factory here...

Trying to uplift Ilai’s spirit, Louis adds,

LOUIS (CONT’D)
Once you grow up, finish school, maybe go to college, you could become an agronomist...

ILAI (curious)
What's an agronomist?

LOUIS
It's like being a senior master at the factory, but for farms and gardens...

This conversation leaves a lasting impression on young Ilai. The dream of being an “engineer over fields and gardens” is sown deep within him.

CUT TO:

INT. JACKSON'S NEW APARTMENT - FLASHBACK - MORNING

Back in the dreary reality, Ilai, now a bit older, meticulously tends to a single potted plant by the window, the only green amidst the gray. His eyes reflect a blend of hope and melancholy as he nurtures the plant, a symbolic representation of his unyielding dreams.

FADE OUT.

CUT TO:

INT. JACKSON'S NEW APARTMENT - MORNING

Time has sculpted a small garden within the room. Amidst old pots and pans, a myriad of plants and saplings thrive under ILAI's tender care. Now a young man, his eyes still hold the gleam of those agronomic dreams. Agricultural books clutter a small table, showcasing a self-taught knowledge blossoming amidst the grey city.

Ilai's hands dance delicately from one plant to another, grafting branches, enriching the soil with homemade fertilizers. He's creating life amidst the lifeless, a silent rebellion against his circumstances.

CUT TO:

INT. JACKSON'S NEW APARTMENT - MORNING

MRS. JACKSON, tears barely held back, adjusts LOUIS's old work clothes on ILAI. A crude reality forcefully tailoring dreams into a semblance of survival.

CUT TO:

EXT. SEWING SHOP - MORNING

Young RITA, now trading school books for sewing needles, steps into a dusty, noisy sewing shop. Her mother's words echo as a cold consolation.

MRS. JACKSON (V.O.)
A girl needs to be pretty for a good life, literacy isn’t a requirement...

CUT TO:

INT. CHEMICAL PLANT - DAY

ILAI and RITA now labor alongside adults, their wages a pittance, barely making ends meet.

CUT TO:

INT. JACKSON'S NEW APARTMENT - DAY

An ELECTRICIAN steps in. The children are enthralled as he handles live wires with rubber gloves.

SID (curious)
Uncle, won't the electricity shock you?

ELECTRICIAN
With these rubber gloves, no chance!

CUT TO:

INT. JACKSON'S NEW APARTMENT - NIGHT

The room plunges into darkness as the electricity meter ticks off. A coin has to be inserted for light, but the coins are scarce.

The family gathers around a table, their meal cold, their faces dimly lit by the flicker of a candle.

SID (defiant)
I won’t eat cold soup...

ILAI (playfully)
Then you’ll stay small, Sid. Only those who eat cold soup get to grow tall.

RITA (nodding)
Yes, yes, I also want to grow, so I eat.

SID (curious, after a pause)
But what about mom? She's already big.

ILAI (making a mysterious face)
Shh-shh, it's a secret. You'll know when you grow up. Deal?

Ilai nudges the soup bowl towards Sid, who after a few more seconds of contemplation, finally picks up the spoon and starts eating.

CUT TO:

EXT. JACKSON'S NEW APARTMENT - NIGHT

The night descends upon the humble abode, the silhouettes of the Jackson family merging with the shadows of the city that never sleeps, yet dreams relentlessly.

FADE OUT.

CUT TO:

INT. JACKSON'S APARTMENT - KITCHEN - DAY

Sid examines his height mark on the door frame, the line hasn't moved. He sighs, the cold soup theory seems to be failing him.

CUT TO:

INT. JACKSON'S APARTMENT - LIVING AREA - DAY

A stark Wednesday. The weekend payday feels an eternity away. Mrs. Jackson hesitantly hands Sid a small basket.

MRS. JACKSON
Go, son. Get some grains and potatoes from Miss Ketting.

CUT TO:

INT. GROCERY STORE - DAY

Miss Ketting, a stout lady, refuses to hand over any groceries to Sid. She scolds him, threatens to call the police, labeling the Jacksons as 'insolvent debtors'. Sid is clueless but the insult stings.

CUT TO:

INT. JACKSON'S APARTMENT - KITCHEN - DAY

Sid returns, the basket empty but filled with questions.

SID
Mom, what's 'insolvent debtor'? Is that bad?

MRS. JACKSON
It's a sad term, my boy...

Tears well up in Mrs. Jackson’s eyes as she takes the empty basket from Sid. Sid hugs her.

SID
If dad were here, would Miss Ketting have said that?

MRS. JACKSON
No, honey.

Sid hugs his mother tighter, peppering her cheeks with warm kisses.

SID
Momma, don't cry. I'll grow up fast. Real fast! And I’ll never be an ‘insolvent debtor’. Neither will you, nor Ilai, nor Rita. You’ll see!

MRS. JACKSON
(smiles, tears rolling)
That sounds good, my boy.

SID
I'll work and bring you dollars. Lots of dollars. And you can buy a pastry. Do you like pastries?

MRS. JACKSON
Yes, my boy. Just grow up fast.

SID
I will. I'll be big and brave!

MRS. JACKSON
That’s good, my boy…

They hold onto each other, a glimmer of hope shining through the cracks of reality. The dreams of a better life are what keep the Jacksons fighting against the odds.

CUT TO:

EXT. JACKSON'S APARTMENT - WINDOW - NIGHT

Through the window, we see the Jacksons huddled together, their love for each other a beacon in the dark urban jungle.

FADE OUT.

CUT TO:

INT. SCHOOL CLASSROOM - DAY

The classroom buzzes with the cacophony of children's chatter. Sid, a bright-eyed and sharp boy with a thirst for knowledge, sits at his desk, his eyes glued to the TEACHER as he explains a complex math problem on the chalkboard. Sid gets it at once; his hand shoots up amidst a sea of puzzled faces.

TEACHER
(smiling at Mrs. Jackson)
Sid is quick as a whip, Mrs. Jackson. He needs to stay in school, the sky's the limit for him!

CUT TO:

INT. JACKSON'S APARTMENT - LIVING AREA - DAY

Mrs. Jackson, a woman of modest means with eyes full of hopes and fears, smiles softly, a blend of pride and sorrow in her eyes. The uncertainty of the future is a cloud over her heart.

CUT TO:

EXT. SCHOOL YARD - DAY

A kaleidoscope of children's laughter and playful screams color the air. Sid, with his modest clothing, forms bonds of friendship with other kids from working-class families. He’s particularly close to JACQUES RANDY, a kindred spirit whose father, like Sid’s, was a pipefitter at the chemical plant. They share dreams bigger than their pockets.

Their gang often locks horns with the rich kids, a rivalry as old as time. Insults are hurled back and forth like a tennis match, the tension between them a living entity.

CUT TO:

INT. SCHOOL CLASSROOM - DAY

The class is abuzz as BLAID BUCKSPUR, a pompous kid with a silver spoon in his mouth, flaunts a glossy sports magazine. Pictures of robust boxers catch everyone’s eye, a world of might and fight that enthralls them. Blaid boasts about JEFFRIES, a famous boxer dubbed 'The Sledgehammer’.

BLAID
...So, this Sledgehammer guy is challenging Rolson, the so-called unbeatable. But Rolson is nothing but a tramp!

SID
(interupting)
Who's Rolson?

BLAID
(scoffing)
Just a vagabond... My dad says he deserves a good beating.

Sid and Jacques’ hearts beat for Rolson, despising Jeffries. They follow the match through newspapers, their hearts racing with every punch thrown.

CUT TO:

EXT. SCHOOL YARD - DAY

Jacques, waving a newspaper, taunts Blaid about Jeffries' defeat. Sid joins in, their laughter a sweet melody of triumph.

SID
Your Sledgehammer got hammered!

BLAID
(defensively)
I saw the match... We were in the fifth row!

The discussion morphs into an ugly racial discourse when Blaid reveals the color of Rolson’s skin.

BLAID
Rolson’s black! That’s why he's a tramp!

SID
(scoffing)
He still knocked out your hero!

JACQUES
My dad says everyone’s equal. Black or white.

BLAID
Your dad lies! Everyone’s either black or white, that's it!

The argument boils over, insults about each other's fathers are thrown around like fiery darts. It gets physical, Sid, Jacques, and Blaid tussle on the ground, fists flying as their ideological fight takes a literal form.

CUT TO:

INT. JACKSON'S APARTMENT - LIVING AREA - NIGHT

Sid, nursing a black eye, recounts the day to his mother, his eyes burning with a fire of justice.

FADE OUT.

CUT TO:

EXT. SCHOOL YARD - DAY

The fight between Sid, Jacques, and Blaid is fierce. Fists fly, dirt swirls, and emotions run high. The schoolyard crowd encircles them, the tension palpable. Despite their number advantage, Sid and Jacques find Blaid’s boxing skills a tough nut to crack. Breathless and battered, they finally break apart. The crowd declares it a draw.

Blaid, with a self-satisfied grin, struts away, leaving Sid and Jacques bruised but unbowed.

CUT TO:

INT. OLD HOUSE - ATTIC - EVENING

The attic, a haven of solitude, is lit by the tender rays of the setting sun. Sid and Jacques, seated on an old rug, mull over the day’s events.

JACQUES
He knows how to box.

SID
But there were two of us!

The reality stings. The silence between them speaks volumes.

CUT TO:

INT. SID’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Sid, lying in bed, gazes at the ceiling. His thoughts are loud:

SID (V.O.)
Knowing how to fight... It's more than just strength. Boxing is an art.

He shares his revelation with Illai the next morning.

CUT TO:

INT. KITCHEN - MORNING

Illai, while sipping coffee, listens to Sid and nods in agreement.

ILLAI
You guys should train too. If I had free time like you, I’d definitely join a boxing club.

SID
But who'll teach us?

ILLAI
(smirking)
Silly, go to a sports club. They have trainers there.

SID
Won’t they kick us out?

ILLAI
No way!

CUT TO:

EXT. JACQUES’ HOUSE - MORNING

Sid, with a sparkle of hope, shares the plan with Jacques.

SID
Jacques, let’s join a sports club. Learn boxing. Why should Blaid have the upper hand?

JACQUES
(grinning)
Hip Hip Hurray!

Excited, Jacques dashes to grab his jacket, but his MOTHER sternly intervenes.

MOTHER
What’s the rush? Where do you think you’re going?

JACQUES’ FATHER, a weary man resting after a night shift, supports the boys.

JACQUES’ FATHER
Let them go. A working man could use a strong fist.

With a blend of caution and excitement, the boys head towards a new chapter.

CUT TO:

EXT. SPORTS CLUB - MORNING

The boys, with a mix of anxiety and determination, step into the sports club, ready to embrace the tough but empowering world of boxing.

FADE OUT.


CUT TO:

EXT. SPORTS CLUB - MORNING

The grey two-story building of the sports club looms in front of Sid and Jacques. Their confidence dwindles as they stand in front of the wide door, nudging each other to go in first.

JACQUES
You go first.

SID
No, you...

They peek through the windows, seeing a bustling world inside. Men, half-naked, are lifting weights, wrestling, and doing exercises.

Suddenly, a gruff, smoked voice interrupts from behind.

VOICE
Hey, guys, what are you peeking at?

They jump back, finding a tall, broad-shouldered, tanned man standing before them, dressed in tight dark pants and a bright red checkered cowboy shirt.

MAN
Watching a movie in there?

The boys look at each other, Sid frowns and speaks up.

SID
We want to learn... to box.

A smile lights up the man's face, showing he's not as intimidating as they thought.

MAN
Boxing, huh?

SID & JACQUES
Yes.

The man steps back, inspecting the boys with a bemused smile. He then inquires, treating them like adults.

MAN
And how old are you lads?

JACQUES
Together, twenty.

MAN
(chuckles)
A solid age! You guys are real Yanks! Hundred percent Americans!

The praise boosts the boys' spirits, making them feel grown-up. Sid, looking up at the friendly stranger, asks trustingly.

SID
Will they accept us?

MAN
Of course! Please, future champions, come in!

He opens the door and Sid and Jacques step into the sports club, both joyful and timid. To Sid's surprise, nobody pays them any attention. Everyone is busy with their routines: lifting weights, doing squats, and punching heavy bags. The boys are enchanted by the new world unfolding before them, a world of strength and bravery.

CUT TO:

INT. SPORTS CLUB - MORNING

A man named MAXWELL, towering over the man, now identified as TEDDY, approaches them. He has a huge frame, bumpy shoulders, and a chest covered in light hair. His square face is rugged, with a purple scar near his left eye that makes him look stern, even menacing.

TEDDY
Maxwell, meet the guests!

MAXWELL
Ah, Teddy! Come in. I've been waiting for your arrival.

Teddy pulls out a leather wallet, counts a few bills, and hands them over to Maxwell. Sid's heart leaps seeing the dollars -- he's never seen so much money before!

TEDDY
Your boys did great. The place was packed and the betting pool was full!

Sid, eavesdropping, doesn't understand much but the words "boys", "did great", and the dollars in Teddy's hands ignite his imagination.

Finally, Teddy turns to them.

TEDDY
Boys, come here.

They hurry to his side. Teddy introduces them.

TEDDY
Meet the guys, old pal. They want to learn boxing.

MAXWELL
These greenhorns?

Maxwell’s eyebrows shoot up, and his scar stretches like a piece of copper wire, mocking them. The boys hold their breath.

FADE TO:

EXT. SPORTS CLUB - TRAINING AREA - DAY

Under the watchful eyes of Teddy and Maxwell, Sid and Jacques start their journey in the world of boxing, with every punch throwing them deeper into the realm of strength and discipline.

FADE OUT.

CUT TO:

INT. SPORTS CLUB - TRAINING AREA - MORNING

The boys stand nervously in front of Teddy and Maxwell, who are now engaging in a heated discussion about their potential.

MAXWELL
Teddy, did you grab too much? Look at these chicks! What good are they? No, you got the wrong address. This isn't a childcare...

TEDDY
(softly)
You were like them once. Think, Mickey, what could come of it if they start at this age... Classic!

MAXWELL
(grumbling)
By the time they grow up, we might starve.

Teddy insists.

TEDDY
Mickey, we need to look ahead.

MAXWELL
Life's so murky now, can't even see tomorrow...

Maxwell calls over a teenager.

MAXWELL
Hey, Jerry, bring over some gloves.

Jerry, the shortest of the teens, brings two pairs of boxing gloves. Sid notices Jerry's hands are bandaged. He thinks, “Strange, training with sore hands... Doesn’t it hurt?”

Maxwell addresses the boys.

MAXWELL
Alright, chicks, we’re going to test you out. See if you live up to Mr. Teddy's claims. Deal?

Sid and Jacques, unaware of what the test entails, nod excitedly. Maxwell hands a pair of gloves to Sid.

MAXWELL
Put these on.

Sid's face flushes with excitement. Real boxing gloves! He's never worn such before. He slips his hands into them, ignoring the worn out leather and the rough inner lining. He's anxious. It's test time...

Maxwell ties the laces on Sid’s gloves, then turns to Jerry.

MAXWELL
Ready?

JERRY
Ready, Mr. Mickey.

MAXWELL
Work with the newbies. But don’t go too hard... Got it?

JERRY
Got it, Mr. Mickey.

The teens, who were busily hitting the bags, drop what they’re doing and encircle them, eager to see the action.

MAXWELL
(to Sid)
Chick, can you fight?

Sid nods. Maxwell explains he should hit Jerry as hard as he can.

MAXWELL
Ready, set, go!

Jerry smirks at his friends as if saying, “Watch me show him what boxing is,” and approaches Sid.

Sid positions himself, clenches his fists in the gloves, ready. When Jerry gets close enough, he lunges at Sid. Recalling Blade’s move, Sid ducks at the last moment. It works! Jerry misses! Seizing the moment, Sid swings hard, hitting Jerry on the ear. Jerry stumbles, falls. The onlookers are stunned.

TEDDY
Way to go, chick!

The joy is short-lived. An embarrassed Jerry springs up, hurling a barrage of punches at Sid. Sid frantically blocks, retreating. His ears ring, sparks dance before his eyes. Everything after is a blur.

Sid regains consciousness to cold water splashing on his chest. Opening his eyes, he sees Maxwell’s concerned face above him.

MAXWELL
The chick’s alive!

Sid tries to sit up. His head buzzes, his mouth dry, his stomach churns.

MAXWELL
Sit a while... It’ll pass.

Jacques, in a similar state, joins Sid. They don’t exchange looks. Sid stares blankly as the surroundings blur. He overhears Teddy and Maxwell discussing.

TEDDY
The chick’s got skills. Did you see that dive, old pal?

CUT TO:

INT. SPORTS CLUB - LOCKER ROOM - MORNING

Sid and Jacques sit on a bench, disoriented but with a spark of determination in their eyes. This is just the beginning.

FADE OUT.