The Boxer - DTS

Starring:Daniel Day-Lewis, Daragh Donnelly, Frank Coughlan, Sean Kearns, Lorraine Pilkington, Niall Shanahan, John Wall (II), Maria McDermottroe, Carol Scanlan, Kate Perry, Andrea Irvine, Joan McGarry, Theresa McComb, Catherine Dunne, Kerrie Duggan, Sharon Dunne, Derbhla McClelland, Oliver Maguire, David McBlain, Emily Watson
Director: Jim Sheridan
Studio: Universal Studios
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Yet another potent (although critically underrated) drama from Jim Sheridan and Daniel Day-Lewis, the Irish director and British star (respectively) of My Left Foot and In the Name of the Father. The story focuses on Danny Flynn (Day-Lewis), a promising boxer who had been imprisoned at age 18 for associating with IRA terrorists. After serving a 14-year sentence, he returns to his Belfast neighborhood at a time when local IRA leader Joe Hamill (Brian Cox) is attempting to negotiate a peace treaty with the British. Despite having no further interest in IRA rivalries, Danny finds himself at the center of political and emotional turmoil when he is reunited with his former girlfriend Maggie (Emily Watson, of Breaking the Waves) who, in Danny's absence, married another IRA man who is now in prison. A strict, unwritten law forbids relationships with the wives of IRA prisoners, but as the former boxer channels his energy into reviving a neighborhood boxing gym, the attraction between Danny and Maggie proves irresistible. This gives a strategic advantage to a militant IRA rival who opposes the peace treaty, drawing Danny back into the bitter and potentially deadly struggle between warring IRA factions. Emphasizing the emotional complexities that arise between Danny and Maggie, this powerful, superbly acted drama demonstrates a sharp understanding of the deep-rooted fears and loyalties that fuel the "troubles" in Ireland, where peace seemed to finally (if tentatively) be achieved in the summer of 1998. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

The Boxer.......2007-01-12

This movie role of a struggling boxer was brilliantly acted by Daniel Day Lewis. It's a love story about a man who wants to move on with his life after being imprisoned physically and emotionally, and a woman who is tied to her past.

"I've lived with your face in silence.".......2006-11-28

After reading a couple of mixed reviews about THE BOXER, I delayed seeing it, and I probably would have skipped it entirely if it weren't for the sterling reputations of co-stars Emily Watson and Daniel Day Lewis. (The latter plays the role of Danny Flynn, a man imprisoned for 14 years for his role in an IRA bombing.)

More fool me. THE BOXER slowly impresses the viewer with its complex storyline, quiet demeanor and subtle dialogue. Watson and Lewis absolutely nail their roles as lovers who were separated at the age of 18, and now find themselves in the awkward roles of adults resuming a teenaged courtship. In a Hollywood film, the two would ultimately hop into bed with a rousing musical score; not so here.

While Watson and Lewis bring uncanny eloquence to their soft-spoken characters, perhaps most fascinating about THE BOXER is the culture of Ireland, specifically the political etiquette and sectarian hatred that each character has to dance around with.

SIDELIGHTS: This film is only nominally about boxing. Oh, and the Dublin flats that stand in for this movie's Belfast projects have since been razed, and upscale apartments now stand there.

"I'm no killer, but this place makes me want to kill.".......2006-08-07

'The Boxer' is a riveting story about one man's struggle during 'The Troubles' of Northern Ireland. The setting is Belfast, where the Catholic and Protestant sections are divided by concrete walls, barb-wire fences, and machine-gun toting soldiers. Danny Flynn, played by Daniel Day-Lewis, is a Catholic former IRA member who is released from prison after serving 14 years. He comes home with the intention of resuming his boxing career, and staying out of trouble. He immediately starts up his old gym, and at first, things are going well. Along with his own training, the gym becomes a sort of refuge for neighborhood kids, and boxing becomes a constructive outlet in an otherwise negative environment. But when the gym starts trying to bring together Catholics and Protestants in the name of boxing, some of Flynn's old IRA comrades think he has gone too far. On top of this, Flynn manages to ruffle more feathers by falling back in love with his old girlfriend, who has since married another imprisoned IRA member. Naturally, in the underworld culture of the IRA, this is a big no-no. Realizing his predicament, Flynn decides to leave for London where he attempts to resume his boxing career. But deciding that no one will run him out of his home, he soon returns to Belfast determined to stand his ground and follow his heart.

This film was right up my alley. I am of Irish descent, I'm a huge boxing fan, and also an aspiring historian. So naturally, a boxing film, set in war-torn Northern Ireland would seem to be my kind of movie. I was not disappointed. The boxing scenes were very well done, and Day-Lewis comes off as a very convincing fighter. He is, in my opinion, one of the best and most under-rated actors in the business. His performance here only reinforced that belief. Overall, the acting in the film was fantastic, with several outstanding performances. 'The Boxer' is simply a great film.

Brilliant film, brilliant acting!.......2006-07-15

I have never seen a Daniel Day Lewis film that wasn't a true piece of art. His acting is brilliant. Every role he plays in is so believable. Being Irish an a huge boxing fan I truly loved this film. It gave accurate information on the turmoil that is to this day going on in Ireland. A must see, even for the non boxing fans.

THE BOXER - GREAT WITH DAY-LEWIS.......2006-06-26

Like all really great actors, Daniel Day-Lewis just keeps getting better and better with age. He seems capable of being in any role and delivering the person he is supposed to be. I was fascinated by the fact that he indeed does box and is quite good at it as well. Doesn't surprise me that he is good because this is a man committed to whatever project he undertakes and gives his all. I have not gone into the actual movie here because so many of the reviews reveal so much of the intensity of this marvelous film. I don't think it would have made it without Daniel Day-Lewis. Why isn't he used more frequently? We are missing a lot of wonderful performances. Very good movie about a very sad situation that unfortunately still exists today in many places in this mixed-up world, and did exist in Belfast, Ireland until a relatively short time ago. Thank God there are people that keep trying to come to some kind of resolution when such problems do exist. This movie goes a long way in trying to give a real overview of everyday life that exists when you are forced to live with violence. Try this film. You'll be glad you did.

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