The cold Belfast rain mirrored the chill in Danny Flynn’s heart as the prison gates clanged open after fourteen years. He walked back into a city simmering with unspoken tensions, a place where ghosts of the past lingered on every corner. His first stop: the old boxing gym, a sanctuary now scarred by time and neglect, much like himself. His former coach, Ike Weir, greeted him with a wary optimism, urging him to rebuild his life, but the shadow of Danny’s IRA past threatened to consume him. The most dangerous pull, however, was towards Maggie Hamill, his teenage love, now a woman hardened by circumstance and married to a man deeply entrenched in the conflict. Her father, Joe Hamill, a powerful figure in the community, watched Danny’s return with narrowed eyes, recognizing the threat to his family and the fragile peace he desperately tried to maintain. The ring called to Danny, but the love for Maggie demanded an even tougher fight.
Movie Overview
| Title | The Boxer |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 1997-12-31 |
| Runtime | 114 minutes |
| Genre | Drama, Romance |
Movie Cast
| Name | Character |
|---|---|
| Daniel Day-Lewis | Danny Flynn |
| Emily Watson | Maggie Hamill |
| Brian Cox | Joe Hamill |
| Ken Stott | Ike Weir |
| Gerard McSorley | Harry |
| David Hayman | Joe Hamill’s Aide |
| Kenneth Cranham | Matt MaGuire |
| Lorraine Pilkington | Bride |
| Niall Shanahan | Groom |
| John Wall | Priest |
| Maria McDermottroe | Betty |
| Eleanor Methven | Patsy |
| Ciarán Fitzgerald | Liam |
| Paul Ronan | Eddie’s Cornerman |
| Liam Carney | Mr. Walsh |
| Veronica Duffy | Mrs. Walsh |
| Des Braiden | Mr. Orr |
| Joan Brosnan Walsh | Mrs Orr |
| Ian McElhinney | Reggie Bell |
| Brian Milligan | Ned |
| Sean Donaghy | Mickey |
| Nye Heron | Eddie’s Trainer |
| Mick Tohill | Billy Patterson |
| Clayon Stewart | Akim |
| Gavin Kennedy | Bootsy |
| Britta Smith | Mrs Boots |
| Peter Sheridan | Peter Mallon |
| Joan Sheehy | Agnes |
| Jer O’Leary | Timekeeper – London Fight |
| Mark Mulholland | Old Man in Gym |
| John Cowley | Old Man in Gym |
| Don Foley | Old Man in Gym |
| Vinny Murphy | Danny’s Supporter |
| Tom Bell | Mr Maguire (uncredited) |
| Frances Tomelty | Mrs Maguire (uncredited) |
| Tom Maguire | Policeman at Checkpoint |
Storyline
After fourteen years of imprisonment for his involvement with the IRA, Danny Flynn, a former boxer haunted by the choices of his youth, returns to his fractured Belfast neighborhood. His arrival stirs up a cauldron of unresolved tensions and forbidden desires, particularly as he seeks to reconnect with Maggie Hamill, his former sweetheart, now married to a fellow IRA member and mother to a young son. Determined to carve a different path, Danny reopens the local boxing gym, a haven meant to unite the community across sectarian divides. This ambition is met with resistance from hardliners like Harry, who view Danny’s attempts at peace as a betrayal of their cause. Maggie, torn between her loyalty to her husband and her resurfacing love for Danny, finds herself caught in the crossfire. Her father, Joe Hamill, a complex figure with deep roots in the IRA, grapples with his own past and the changing landscape of their struggle, secretly supporting Danny’s endeavor for a peaceful resolution. As Danny trains a new generation of fighters, his presence ignites a powder keg of old rivalries and new threats, culminating in a series of escalating conflicts that force him to fight not only for his own redemption but also for the fragile hope of a future free from violence, risking everything for a chance at love and lasting peace with Maggie.
Details
In the gritty streets of Belfast, “The Boxer” tells the story of Danny Flynn, portrayed by Daniel Day-Lewis, a former IRA volunteer who emerges from a fourteen-year prison sentence determined to rebuild his life. He returns to his old working-class neighborhood, haunted by the past and eager to revive his boxing career. However, the landscape he left behind is fraught with unresolved tensions and lingering animosity. Central to Danny’s existence is his enduring love for Maggie Hamill, played by Emily Watson, his former sweetheart who has since married and started a family with a fellow IRA member while her father Joe Hamill, played by Brian Cox remains a powerful figure in the community. As Danny reopens the local boxing club, hoping to offer a path away from violence for the youth, he rekindles his forbidden romance with Maggie, igniting a dangerous conflict with those who disapprove of their relationship and his desire for peace. Caught between personal desires and political realities, Danny must confront his past and fight not only for his love but also for a future free from the cycle of violence that has plagued his community. Amidst this turmoil, Ike Weir played by Ken Stott a long-time trainer, offers guidance and support as Danny navigates the treacherous path toward redemption and reconciliation. The film explores themes of love, forgiveness, and the struggle to break free from the chains of a violent past, all set against the backdrop of a divided society teetering on the edge of renewed conflict.
FAQs
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What is the movie “The Boxer” about?
The Boxer tells the story of Danny Flynn, a former I.R.A. member, who returns to Belfast after 14 years in prison and attempts to resume his boxing career.
What genres does “The Boxer” belong to?
The Boxer is categorized as a Drama and Romance film.
Who are the main actors in “The Boxer”?
The main actors are Daniel Day-Lewis as Danny Flynn and Emily Watson as Maggie Hamill.
Who directed “The Boxer”?
Jim Sheridan directed the movie “The Boxer”.
When was “The Boxer” released?
The movie was released on December 31, 1997.
Where was “The Boxer” filmed or produced?
“The Boxer” was a co-production of the United States, Ireland and United Kingdom.
What is the tagline for “The Boxer”?
The tagline is “Love is always worth fighting for.”
How long is “The Boxer”?
The movie has a runtime of 114 minutes.
Is “The Boxer” suitable for all audiences?
While not explicitly stated, given the themes and setting, it’s likely intended for a mature audience.
Is “The Boxer” based on a true story?
The information does not specify if it is based on a true story.
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