Review of Shiner (2000) by Ryan M — 29 Mar 2014

Directed by John Irvin (Raw Deal (1986), Hamburger Hill (1987) and Widows' Peak (1994)), and written by Scott Cherry (The Bill). This crime drama is centred around the world of underground boxing promotion, and the dangers that go hand in hand with this world.

It has a good lead performance, (he can do this in his sleep), although the plot is partially inspired by Shakespeare's King Lear. Billy 'Shiner' Simpson (Michael Caine) is a boxing promoter who due to past incidents and shady dealings, has been banned from deal in legitimate fights.

But, Billy believes he has a shot at the big time, by putting his own son Eddie (Matthew Marsden), who he's dubbed Golden Boy. After the fight, Eddie is killed and Billy goes for revenge to find out who did it.

He initially suspects American boxing promoter Frank Spedding (Martin Landau), a rival who was non-plussed at having to come to England for the fight which didn't last long at all. In the process of trying to find who did it, Billy starts to lose touch with reality, and he descends into madness.

It has some good performances, even if it does descend into London East End gangster territory too much, but Caine proves he can still do great films, and he does well here. This could be seen as a slight dry run for things to eventually come in Harry Brown (2008).

You'll have seen stuff like this before, but this one is worth a go.