The Boxer (1997) / Drama-Romance

MPAA Rated: R for strong sexuality, language, drugs and violence
Running Time: 113 min.

Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Emily Watson, Brian Cox, Ken Stott, Gerard McSorley
Director: Jim Sheridan
Screenplay: Jim Sheridan, Terry George
Review published July 10, 1998

An Irish boxer and former IRA (Day-Lewis, The Age of Innocence) sympathizer is released from prison after 14 years back into his Belfast community and tries to turn over a new leaf by starting a boxing club. This boxing club is different in that it is nonsectarian, i.e. both protestants and Catholics may take part. This does not sit well with some of the more extreme members of the IRA community, who feel the truce is a farce and the boxer becomes a lightning rod for everyone's fury.

Yeah, it's a good film. Daniel Day-Lewis pulls off his boxing with skill as well as his adept acting. Good performances and directing, with the exception of one prominent Annoying Kid, but all in all competently done. The subject matter is not as interesting, and I found myself a bit detached from everyone else's plight save the boxer, but I did find it worthwhile viewing.

Qwipster's rating:

©1998 Vince Leo