Review of The Boxer (1997) by Jack L — 29 Jan 2013

Mini Review 18: The Boxer.

Plot:

Danny Flynn (Daniel Day-Lewis) returns to Belfast, his home town, after serving a 14 year prison sentence. Playing aloof to the politically ravaged environs, he plans to setup a local gym and train some kids. On a parallel node, he tries to catch up with his old fling Maggie (Emily Watson) much to the wrath of a ruthless IRA lieutenant Harry (Gerard McSorley). Rest of the film is about Danny's second stint at life and his agonizing attempts to set it right.

Positives:

--> Daniel Day-Lewis's meticulous performance as a pugilist, torn lover and a man trying to set his life right - in peaceful terms.

--> Realistic depiction of IRA struggle, political imbroglio prevailing around and rampant civilian violence.

--> Rip roaring background score.

Negatives:

--> Content of the film has no relation to it's title - narration wise.

--> The art of "Boxing" plays no major role in the plot leading to bigger confusion.