AllMovie

Big John Klemetsen is a former professional boxer who, after retiring from the ring, became a mentor to his son Ole Klemetsen, who aspired to become a fighter himself. Ole has genuine talent and with his father by his side as coach and manager, the young man made an impressive showing at a number of events in his native Norway and was part of Norway's boxing team at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. After going pro in Denmark as a Light Heavyweight, Ole was scouted by Emanuel Steward, an American trainer and promoter best known for his association with Detroit's Kronk Gym. Steward offered Ole a contract to fight in the United States, and Big John advised his son to take the deal. However, it wasn't until Ole started boxing professionally in America that Big John became aware of how different the sport and the business behind it were in the United States, and the father found himself torn between his interest in promoting the career of his client and looking after the health and future of his son. Blod & Aere (aka Big John) is a documentary tracing the history of "Team Klemetsen" and the relationship between two men bound both by blood and the love of a dangerous sport. Big John was an official selection at the 2009 Hot Docs International Film Festival.