Joe and Max

That would be heavyweight boxing champs Joe "the Brown Bomber" Louis and Max Schmeling. In 1936, Max defeats Joe in a title match, although the two become friends. Joe has to put up with his country's racism (the whites in the audience cheer for Schmeling) while Max has to endure the Nazi's using him as a symbol of Aryan superiority. In 1938, the tables are turned in a rematch at Yankee Stadium--this time it's Louis that's the people's choice and the victor. Not only does the film relate the duo's celebrity (and symbolism) but their alternating fortunes after WWII. Both leads do fine work, although Schweiger seems more comfortable in his role.