Daniel Day-Lewis,
Emily Watson,
Brian Cox,
Ken Stott,
Gerard McSorley
... see more 
Jim Sheridan (In the Name of the Father) directed this drama about a Belfast boxer, filmed with Dublin locations substituting for Belfast. Released after his 14-year prison sentence for IRA activities... read more
DVD Release Date: July 7, 1998
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Stats: 380 reviews
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Flixster Reviews (380)
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June 18, 2011A boxer returns from an unjust prison sentence to try to rebuild his life in an Ireland at odds with itself. Lewis carries the picture easily as a man of few words but his scenes with Watson up the ante: watching them communicate when they know it's against the rules but unable ... read more
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November 18, 2009Daniel Day-Lewis doing what he does best. The plot is really good as well, dealing with the IRA and a forbidden love between Day-Lewis and an old flame. Also, it seems that Cinderella Man's style and plot points seemed to borrow a lot from this movie, but out of the two, this is ... read more
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November 6, 2008The best part of this movie is that you know DDL was training his ass off and probably could have been a featherweight champion. Watching him jump rope and fight in those matches was great. Then there is the speech that he gives to Watson about jail, it's almost worth the price o... read more
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August 11, 2008It's mainly a hard romance story, set within the story of an ex-boxer making a life out of prison with what he knows amidst the eternal terrorist struggles in Ireland. I don't think Daniel Day-Lewis could play a bad part in a film if he tried, as he easily carries the movie here.... read more
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May 27, 2008Just a tad drawn out, but wonderful performances all around with a powerful topic.
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April 6, 2008Daniel Day-Lewis's other film about The Troubles - not nearly as loved as In The Name of the Father, but still a fine movie in its own right. Jim Sheridan guides his muse through another skillful marriage of personal pain to social and political strife, this time focusing ... read more
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August 20, 2007I love this excellent emotionally story of an ex-con boxer who has changed after his 14-year prison sentence to return his old neighbourhood, reopens a gym for Catholic and Protestant youths, and rekindles his relationship with a former girlfriend in Belfast, Ireland. The best of... read more
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Critic Reviews
January 1, 2000
Mike Clark, USA Today
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
What's fascinating is the delicacy of the relationship between Maggie and Danny. Full Review
September 20, 2007
Jeffrey Overstreet, Looking Closer
... a lasting testament to the power of love and the damage done by prejudice and hate.
January 3, 2007
David Noh, Film Journal International
It's laden with such a heavy air of portentousness that it's difficult to become absorbed by the story. Full Review
January 13, 2004
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
Even with a predictably strong performance from Day-Lewis, who once again immerses body and soul into his role, the film is a letdown. Full Review
March 1, 2002
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A well-acted drama that salutes the moral fiber of a pugilist fed up with violence. Full Review
January 1, 2000
Marty Mapes, Movie Habit
Excellent portrait of Irish boxer who becomes a symbol of both sides of the IRA. Full Review
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The Boxer
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