The Boxer (1997)

Too much of everything

Sorry, this movie sucks

When a movie has you begging for it to end not even half way through it's pure crap. We've all seen this movie and this characters millions of times, nothing new in it. Don't waste your time.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

This film is an absolute masterpiece from beginning to end. Few movies have so much to tell and then find such inventive ways to narrate the story. Only minutes into the film we are shown this incredibly dark world of Northern Ireland, the IRA, their prisoners and wives, and the conflicts that divide…what? Who? And forget about Why. Although this violent world is the setting for the film, at the center it's a love story and a really good one.Not a second is wasted in opening minutes to bring us up to speed as to what is happening for everyone involved…and there is a lot happening so pay close attention. I don't know if there has ever been more story contained in a single movie that what we are told in The Boxer. There are just so many people whose lives we seem to know intimately, call it character development but it's done such precision that it's difficult to believe that it all takes place in less than two hours. No movie has ever used time so effectively and movingly as we see here. Every single character could move on to inhabit another movie and we'd want to follow that story, too.The cinematography and the music were simply sublime, once again, from start to finish. The opening sequence is exhilarating and the final moments are what movies are all about. As I said, a masterpiece.The acting in this was just about the best that you will ever see in any movie ever. The individuals deserve credit but I always think that the director is ultimately responsible for the acting as he/she has the final say. Bravo to one and all.To those who criticized the film for somehow not portraying things as they truly are in Northern Ireland I say they can all go watch a documentary. In the end all of the killing there was absolutely pointless and stupid. Catholics fighting Protestants, one ignorant superstition against another is just what the world doesn't need.

Director Jim Sheridan's The Boxer is an excellent motion picture that shows the very human face of the dark times in Northern Ireland. The imagery of how the people live in this war zone is haunting and bleak, never to be forgotten. Daniel Day-Lewis is superb in his deeply moving role and he is surrounded by an exceptional cast. Particularly outstanding is Emily Watson as Maggie, a magnificent performance that lights up the screen and warms the heart. Watson is indeed one of England's most gifted actors, perhaps the finest of our time. Her quiet beauty, brilliant eyes, and depth of humanity are simply overwhelming and watching her on screen is a powerful cinematic experience without equal. It is outrageous she is not even listed as a cast member on the IMDb first page when she was originally prominently featured as Day-Lewis' co-star. Anyone who sees this film will never forget her work here and the image she presents of loveliness, strength, and smoldering sexuality.

Sheridan's 'The Boxer' is far more complex than his other films like 'In The Name of The Father', 'My Left Foot' and 'In America'. The story revolves around a neighborhood of ordinary (and not-so-ordinary people) living in a troubled Northern Ireland. Sheridan successfully depicts the problem from both sides. One witnesses how difficult it is to lead a normal life in peace as this will be looked down upon and even used against you. The use of washed out colour gives a gloomy and depressing feel, and ironically also shows the weather. But, contradicting that Sheridan also skillfully portrays the love, devotion and hope of the people.Fine performances are almost always expected from Sheridan's films and here too the actors do an outstanding job. Daniel Day-Lewis is superb. His restraint reflects Danny's calm dignity and he is very convincing as the man who recognizes a second opportunity in life and tries to make the better of it. Emily Watson is sublime. Her quiet portrayal of Maggie's strength, pride, courage and vulnerability is spot on. Brian Cox is stupendous. Gerard McSorley proves again how wickedly good he can be when it comes to playing menacing characters. Ken Stott is excellent.I feel the reason why 'The Boxer' is so underrated and not as highly regarded as Sheridan's other films is because it's far more complicated than what they're used to seeing. However, in my opinion, this is just as effective as Scorsese's 'Raging Bull' and better than the likes of 'Rocky.

As he has proved over and over, Daniel Day Lewis can carry a movie by his presence, without saying a word. The opening of The Boxer is his best example. Without speaking, DDL gets out of prison and begins to carve out a new life. With nothing other than the physical surroundings and DDL's facial expressions to carry us, this film sucks us in from the beginning.I bought into the story of this young man of integrity. If you don't, I guess you rate the movie poorly. But I found this story more compelling than Sins of the Father, and thus more worthy.I'd watch this again, which is high praise indeed from me.