Scoring Giant was one of the most emotionally demanding and creatively rewarding projects of my career. Alongside composing the original score, I also served as Music Supervisor, shaping the film’s complete musical identity, from original themes to curated song choices.
From the outset, the intention was clear, to captures the swagger, energy, and emotional depth of Prince Naseem’s extraordinary rise.
Seeing how audiences and critics responded to this film and music has been incredibly meaningful.
Below is a selection of reactions to the music of Giant that really stood out.
When the Music Becomes Part of the Story
“The music and song choices are sharp and intentional, functioning almost as a character of their own rather than background filler. They carry emotion and tension without spelling anything out.”
— El Shai
As both composer and music supervisor, my focus was on making sure the score and soundtrack worked together as a single narrative voice, supporting the story without over-explaining it.
“The Score Works the Emotions Like a Punchbag”
“Brosnan puts in a career best acting shift, the score by Neil Athale works the emotions like a punchbag.”
— Bob Carols Movie Diary
We wanted the music in the film to feel physical and unavoidable. Hearing the score described in these terms shows the emotional weight we were aiming for landed.
“The Soundtrack Was Insane”
Among the many 5-star audience reactions across social media, several viewers called out the music in strikingly direct language:
“All I can say is the fighting, the soundtrack, the subplots — were all insane.”
— Letterboxd review
“Didn’t Expect It to Be That Emotional”
One Letterboxd review captured a response that came up again and again:
“Not your typical underdog story. Not a boxer-and-his-trainer film — it’s a boy and his father.
Beautiful film. Didn’t expect it to be that emotional.
The score is amazing.
— Letterboxd review
That sense of unexpected emotion is where the music was always meant to live — supporting the father–son relationship at the heart of Giant without tipping into sentimentality.
Music, Craft, and Representation
Another audience response placed the score alongside the film’s wider creative achievements:
“Overall a beautiful film that I hope makes waves in the industry and opens up opportunities for more stories about Muslims, Arabs, and other minorities — both on screen and behind the scenes.
The beautiful cinematography, editing, and score also deserve their own round of applause.”
— Letterboxd review
“Great Music Picks”
Music supervision also played a key role in shaping the film’s rhythm and identity, particularly during the fight sequences:
“Solid film and some brilliant fight choreography — each of the fights felt distinct, not just like watching the same fight again.
Great music picks too!!
— Letterboxd review
We really wanted to make sure each fight had it’s own personality and distinctive feel.
Audience & Critical Response to Giant
Alongside reviews that explicitly mentioned the music, Giant received an overwhelming wave of 5-star audience reactions: Here are a few highlights:
“This film blew me away. The heart it had made me smile the whole time.”
— 5★ Letterboxd review
“Wow. What a movie. Very emotional and poignant. So glad we went.”
— 5★ audience review
“Absolutely loved it. Funny, inspirational, heart-wrenching.”
— 5★ Letterboxd review
“The way this movie inspired me and changed my perspective on life.”
— 5★ audience review
“One of the best biopics of recent history.”
— 5★ Letterboxd review
“10/10 would watch again. It perfectly shows how fame and money can change a man.”
— 5★ audience review
“A really strong sports biopic — inspiring without being preachy.”
— 5★ Letterboxd review
As Composer and Music Supervisor, shaping both the score and soundtrack for Giant allowed the music to function as a unified emotional language throughout the film. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has watched the film and taken the time to share their reactions.