Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.

It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,

A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.

Daniel Day-Lewis stars as Danny in 1997's "The Boxer." He got mixed up with the IRA in Belfast in his late teens and it landed him in prison for 14 years. Now wanting nothing to do with the IRA, he starts a non-sectarian boxing club in an old gymnasium with his old alcoholic trainer, Ike (Ken Stott). His ex-girlfriend, Maggie (Emily Watson), is now married with a son, Liam, but her husband is currently in prison for involvement with the IRA and she doesn't love him anyway. The two still have feelings for each other but can't act on them. Maggie's father is the local "godfather" of the IRA who's war-weary and wants peace (Brian Cox), but is countermined by Harry, a bitter and ruthless IRA leader, Harry (Gerard McSorley). As noted in my title blurb, this is not a sports film, so don't expect "Rocky." Yes, there are three boxing matches and several training scenes, but they're mostly a backdrop to Danny's desire to go home after his long prison stint and live in peace, free of those who want to continue the cycle of violence. Of course, the war-mongers will only leave him alone if he's a passive little sheepie. When he actively hinders the IRA's operations, it incites the wrath of Harry and his heavies. This is a great film to get the human perspective on "The Troubles" of Northern Ireland (as it's called) that took place from 1968-1998. The acting of the principles is a highlight – Day-Lewis, Watson, Cox, et al. My favorite part is the believable and well-written relationship of Danny and Maggie. Emily really shines here as the girl-next-door type; she's such a natural "down home" Irish beauty. The filmmakers are wise not to rush things and allow events and relationships to blossom or devolve naturally. Another highlight is the excellent soundtrack, beginning with the incredible opening track "In The Shadow Of A Gun" by Gavin Friday. Unless you're familiar with heavy Irish accents I suggest using the subtitles. My wife and I didn't use them and we had to struggle a bit to make out the dialogue. This is not mindless entertainment and the film requires some effort on the part of the viewer, but it's rewarding, if you're willing.The film runs 113 minutes and was shot in the Dublin area.GRADE: B+ (almost A-)

Jim Sheridan & Daniel Day-Lewis make magnificent cinema together. 'My Left Foot' and 'In The Name Of The Father' were amongst the finest films of their time. 'The Boxer' which is their third collaboration together, is a yet another winner from this duo.'The Boxer' tells the story of two lovers, who are separated in violent world. The Screenplay basically centers on the life of a boxer and former Provisional IRA Volunteer, who is trying to "go straight" after his release from prison.The film begins slow, but gathers momentum post 30-minutes. The second hour is superb. The Screenplay is dark and hard-hitting. Jim Sheridan has directed the film with absolute understanding. Cinematography by Chris Menges is perfect. Editing is passable.Performance-Wise: Daniel Day-Lewis is remarkable, yet again. The Oscar-Winner plays a Boxer with unmatchable ease. Emily Watson is awesome. Brian Cox is good. Ken Stott & Gerard McSorley are fine.On the whole, A Very Well Made Film, that surely deserves a watch. Recommended!

After accomplishing masterpieces with "My Left Foot" and "In the Name of the Father", Jim Sheridan totally went in the wrong direction with "The Boxer". I don't think that the issue should be whether one views the IRA positively or negatively (this movie treats them pretty mercilessly). The issue is that, contrary to what this movie portrays, the Irish and English can't agree on things through boxing matches. And they really could have done without all the love stuff.In conclusion, Sheridan, Daniel Day-Lewis and Emily Watson have all done much better than this. I don't know why they felt that they had to do this movie.

I never thought much about the situation in Northern Ireland before. This film opened my eyes to the British occupation and the division between the Irish Catholics and Irish Protestants. I don't understand why there are problems and I probably never will. It's a desperate situation with no winners on either side. I wish the cease fire will be permanent but you never really know. Daniel Day-Lewis has played an Irishman before in "My Left Foot" and "In the Name of the Father." It's no surprise that he felt so comfortable in an Irishman shoes that he became an Irish citizen even though he comes from affluent British family lineage to impress anybody. It's sort of like choosing coach over first class in my opinion. Day-Lewis does an extraordinary job playing Danny Flynn to be likable, flawed, and charming. Emily Watson is also excellent as the love his life despite her character's marriage to an I.R.A. Prisoner. Jim Sheridan doesn't forget his Irish roots or heritage or the situation in Northern Ireland. People are getting killed in the midst. Violence and war never solve anything but cause more problems. I pray and hope that the situation in NOrthern Ireland comes to peace. Maybe the same could happen in the Middle East as well. I look forward to seeing more of Jim Sheridan's work. I felt this film could have been better. I was kind of miffed by the ending.