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Yet another potent (although critically underrated) drama from Jim Sheridan and Daniel Day-Lewis, the Irish director and British star (respectively) of My Left Foot and In the Name of the Father. The story focuses on Danny Flynn (Day-Lewis), a promising boxer who had been imprisoned at age 18 for associating with IRA terrorists. After serving a 14-year sentence, he returns to his Belfast neighborhood at a time when local IRA leader Joe Hamill (Brian Cox) is attempting to negotiate a peace treaty with the British. Despite having no further interest in IRA rivalries, Danny finds himself at the center of political and emotional turmoil when he is reunited with his former girlfriend Maggie (Emily Watson, of Breaking the Waves) who, in Danny's absence, married another IRA man who is now in prison. A strict, unwritten law forbids relationships with the wives of IRA prisoners, but as the former boxer channels his energy into reviving a neighborhood boxing gym, the attraction between Danny and Maggie proves irresistible. This gives a strategic advantage to a militant IRA rival who opposes the peace treaty, drawing Danny back into the bitter and potentially deadly struggle between warring IRA factions. Emphasizing the emotional complexities that arise between Danny and Maggie, this powerful, superbly acted drama demonstrates a sharp understanding of the deep-rooted fears and loyalties that fuel the "troubles" in Ireland, where peace seemed to finally (if tentatively) be achieved in the summer of 1998. Offering a deeper understanding of the Irish conflict, this Universal Collector's Edition DVD includes a full-length audio commentary by director Sheridan and producer Arthur Lappin; an alternate ending and deleted scenes; the original theatrical trailer; and Fighting for Peace: Inside The Boxer, a documentary featurette about the making of the film. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (23)

ANOTHER TRIUMPH FOR JIM SHERIDAN AND DANIEL DAY-LEWIS.
"The Boxer" is another collaboration between director Jim Sheridan and the fantastic actor Daniel Day-Lewis, with nice results once again.

After a 14 year prison sentence for IRA activities, Danny Flynn (Daniel Day-Lewis), a former boxer decides to make a return to the boxing world. Danny, now 32 years old, decides to be both a veteran boxer and an assistant coach for the kids interested in learning the sport. Danny is now struggling to return to a good shape, and in addition he sees a former girlfriend, Maggie (Emily Watson), an attractive woman that in Danny's absence, married with another militant IRA member, now in prison. Danny and Maggie still feel something about each other, but the encountering opposition from militant IRA members and political tensions will prove hard to beat.

Following the line of "In The Name Of The Father", "The Boxer" is another well acted and interesting political drama, also with the Sheridan / Day-Lewis team. If you like the work of Daniel Day-Lewis, Emily Watson or Jim Sheridan, go see "The Boxer".

One Boxer's Rebellion
It's odd that a film about such a volatile subject (Northern Ireland's "Troubles") should be so understated in its way, but Jim Sheridan's "The Boxer" is just that--despite the occasional explosion and political assassination. The trailers that I saw in theaters a few years back almost suggested one of those "lovers-torn-apart-in-a-world-gone-mad" films that we've all come to know and find suspect. But the tone of the actual film is really quite muted.

What makes "The Boxer" ring true is the very tentativeness of the relationship between Daniel Day-Lewis and Emily Watson's characters. One time teenage lovers, they have been separated for 14 years while Danny Flynn (Day-Lewis) served a prison term for unspecified political activity. Released now, at the age of 32, he wants only to be left alone and to resume his boxing career. To Sheridan's credit, the irony that the BOXER has, in fact, become a man of peace is not dwelled upon. Nor is the tentative reunion with his lost love exactly the stuff of Sturm und Drang.

There is an overall sense of Irish reserve in the film, a sense that brutal political realities have left all of its characters emotionally stunted. That may be "The Boxer's" greatest achievement, in fact, that the human cost of this political tragedy is not just measured in the body counts, but in the thousands of "small deaths" each individual experiences almost daily.

What a guy
Daniel Day-Lewis must be the most versatile film actor in the world. He looks like a different person in almost every film he makes. I assume that's the real Day-Lewis in this flick about the rebellion in Northern Ireland, revenge and absolution. His romantic interest, Emily Watson, puts in a good performance too. Day-Lewis looks a lot different than he did in "Gangs of New York", "The Unbearable Lightness of Being", "My Left Foot" and "Last of the Mohicans" but he is just as compelling in his performance. I thought this movie degraded a bit at the end with its somewhat Hollywood finale, but otherwise I enjoyed it. If you like substantial filmmaking, good acting, great drama, unfamiliar vistas and a good story, you'll enjoy it too.

A Day-Lewis in the life
This film passed through our shores largely unnoticed, which is a shame, because Jim Sheridan's third foray with Daniel Day-Lewis is as capable and rewarding (if not as technically brilliant) as their first two ("In The Name Of The Father", "My Left Foot").

For one thing, the direction and editing is superb. There are a number of deleted scenes that probably should have been left in to complete the lack of continuity between some of the characters' relationships; particularly the prison scene between Maggie and her husband (they talk about 'prisoner's wives' but we never see the prisoners).

That being said, the score is also a bit weak at times, but the film looks crisp and clear, the sound is flawless, and the commentary (particularly Sheridan's) is worth sitting through at least once.

Day-Lewis (recently robbed of a much-deserved Oscar for "Gangs Of New York) is in top form here; thoroughly believeable as Danny "Danny Boy" Flynn. Emily Watson and Brian Cox are reliable as always, but from start to finish, this is Day-Lewis' show.

Moody, Deep and Rewarding
I love Daniel Day-Lewis. His wounded slow burn as Danny Flynn, a man recently released from prison after more than a decade, returning to his old neighborhood and trying to escape the ghosts of his past but confronted by the woman he (still) loves, who has married and had a child and a host of friends still separated by the politics of war is a quiet revelation. While his attempt to revive his career as a fighter fizzles and his life is under constant threat, Danny makes the most of his situation by standing up against the opression and laws that have cost so many of his friends their freedom and in some cases, their lives. Emily Watson is note perfect as his former love interest and she brings a quiet dignity to her role as a single mother torn between devotion to her imprisoned husband, protecting her pre-teen son, and her resurging feelings for Danny. While many won't like the tone and pacing of this film, I find it entrancing and marvel at Day-Lewis vulnerable, quiet power. Superb! ... Read more

Reviews (28)

An Interesting True Story and an Excellent Movie
Director Bruce Beresford does an excellent job of translating this true story into an understated yet moving and ultimately heartwarming story of perserverance, love, human frailty, and faith. Pierce Brosman is both the coproducer and central character Desmond Doyle (although only one of the stars). The attraction for Brosnan of both the story and the role are obvious; he and Beresford deserve praise for their belief in the power of the story and their choice to tell it in a straightforward way with minimal embellishments or sentimentality.

Doyle is an Irish tradesman whose wife tires of their struggles and leaves him and their two boys and daughter Emily on the day after Christmas,1953. Given Doyle's unemployment and limited prospects and under the dictates of Irish family law at that time, the government places the brothers and Emily in separate Catholic orphanages. The film traces Desmond's efforts to both gain employment and eventually reform his heavy drinking habits, followed by his subsequent frustration with the government bureaucratic and court decisions that prohibit him from reuniting his family. He eventually enlists the support of two lawyers (Steven Rhea, Aidan Quinn) who consult a retired well known law professor (Alan Bates, coincidently Desmond's childhood idol as a famous rugby player) who reluctantly agrees to aid in the preparation of their case and eventually devises a strategy to challenge the law as unconstitutional. But this is not presented as a David vs. Goliath battle, but simply as an imperfect but devoted father determined to explore all possible means to be reunited with his children.

All the performaces were excellent and true to the story. Frank Kelly had an essential role as Desmond's father, and helped provide some of the infectious Irish music which was a key element in Desmond's transformation. Juliana Margulies played the barmaid and love interest to whom his lawyer was also attracted (in one of the few devices utilized to enliven the plot). Alan Bates role was wonderful and his performance was superb; however, the story rang true because of the acting of Sophie Vavasseur in the title role of Evelyn, Desmond's smart, loving, principled daughter whose love for her father and religious conviction in the truth and belief in goodness and God's love allowed her to maintain her faith that their family would eventually be reunited and helped provide her father with the strength that he needed.

I strongly recommend this movie for those theater goers who want to see excellent performances and an interesting and powerful story. It is relatively short (just over an hour and a half), and is in direct contrast to most modern films which attempt to overwhelm you with some combination of special effects, action, comedy, extreme emotional impact, excruciating detail or vulgarity. I was tempted to rate it five stars, and while in the end I decided that it did not quite rise to the top rating it is definitely a four star plus.

A Tender Story, This
EVELYN is one of those quiet films that doesn't get a lot of brouhaha when released but becomes a classic when it is widely available in the video stores. Based on an actual incident in Ireland in 1953 when a father deprived of his children by quirky twists of the courts perseveres in the name of fatherly love to achieve a challenge at the highest Supreme Court level to achieve a modification fo the Irish Constitution. Pierce Brosnan portrays the lovable father in question and his legal support comes from some the finest actors avialable today - Stephen Rea, Aidan Quinn, Alan Bates, and a bench full of sedate curmudgeons. Love interest is ably provided by the as usual superb Julianna Marguiles and a terrific cast of children. The atmosphere of the film is wholly Irish, from the views of the countryside, to Dublin skylines, to the interiors of the Catholic schools for girls and those for boys. Though the outcome of the movie is never in doubt, it is the getting there that provides a wholly satisfying glimpse of a bit of social reform history lovingly re-enacted.

Heartstrings & Clover
This little jewel of a film is as potent as it has been unheralded. Australian Director Bruce Beresford who was nominated for a Best Director Oscar for "Tender Mercies" and has also done "Driving Miss Daisy" and "Double Jeopardy" does a marvelous job with the small independent feature. From the informative featurette on the DVD, he was instrumental in pruning screenwriter Paul Pender's screenplay and insisting on Pierce Brosnan's final courtroom speech.

This film is one that touches your heartstrings. The theme of love a parent has for their children is universal and allows this to be a movie that is important to us. With the Irish setting and plot that centers on the Irish judicial system, it seems like heartstrings & clover.

Pierce Brosnan was the moving force behind putting the picture together; and it is an admirable project. Brosnan turns in one of his best performances as the father who fights to get his children back. His voice cracks with emotion as he tells how much he loves them and that he wants to bring them up surrounded by love. It's not corny or overly sentimental; it's what makes the world go round!

Sophie Vavasseur is wonderful as the title character Evelyn. She has the pureness and faith of a child's heart and nails the sweetness of the character. The scene where she watches her mother run off with another man is heartbreaking as the audience understands more than the child who watches with puzzlement. If there were more to wish for, additional time for the two boys to show their father's connection to them would have focused on the whole family.

ER's Julianna Margulies does a nice job as the supportive Bernadette who tends bar. She refers Brosnan's Desmond Doyle character to her brother lawyer Michael Beattie played by Stephen Rea. Rea's subdued solicitor character leads Doyle to yet another lawyer, barrister Nick Barron played by Aidan Quinn. They get Thomas Connolly on the team played by Alan Bates, recently from "Gosford Park" and "The Mothman Prophecy." Bates passed away from cancer in December 2003, but is full of feisty spirit as he shepherds the case to Irish Supreme Court. As Charlotte Doyle, Mairead Devlin gives a brief but memorable performance as the restless wife.

"Evelyn" was a small film, but it works wonderfully. It tugs at the heartstrings and is a great family film to help us recall how much our families mean in our lives. The shooting on the film started shortly after 9/11 and seems to draw inspiration from the time in which it was shot. The fact that this is based on a true story makes it poignant. This is essential viewing! Enjoy!

A Must See for Fathers (and Mothers and, especially, Judges)
Pierce Brosnan delivers a great performance in a serious role--a true story of Desmond Doyle, a man who changed Irish custody law. Doyle, whose wife left him with two small children, gave the children up temporarily (he thought) to the care of the Catholic church. He fought the Church and the state courts to the Irish Supreme Court to get his children back. Those who believe in a parent's constitutional right to be a parent to his children should buy this movie and watch it. It is a story of encouragement for fathers everywhere who are fighting for their children.

Don Hubin

Perfectly charming family film.
This is one of those rare films in which you will find a quality plot, good dialogue, and fine performances. Also I appreciate that it is such a clean movie that I can watch it with my mother without her being shocked or offended. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

ANOTHER TRIUMPH FOR JIM SHERIDAN AND DANIEL DAY-LEWIS.
"The Boxer" is another collaboration between director Jim Sheridan and the fantastic actor Daniel Day-Lewis, with nice results once again.

After a 14 year prison sentence for IRA activities, Danny Flynn (Daniel Day-Lewis), a former boxer decides to make a return to the boxing world. Danny, now 32 years old, decides to be both a veteran boxer and an assistant coach for the kids interested in learning the sport. Danny is now struggling to return to a good shape, and in addition he sees a former girlfriend, Maggie (Emily Watson), an attractive woman that in Danny's absence, married with another militant IRA member, now in prison. Danny and Maggie still feel something about each other, but the encountering opposition from militant IRA members and political tensions will prove hard to beat.

Following the line of "In The Name Of The Father", "The Boxer" is another well acted and interesting political drama, also with the Sheridan / Day-Lewis team. If you like the work of Daniel Day-Lewis, Emily Watson or Jim Sheridan, go see "The Boxer".

One Boxer's Rebellion
It's odd that a film about such a volatile subject (Northern Ireland's "Troubles") should be so understated in its way, but Jim Sheridan's "The Boxer" is just that--despite the occasional explosion and political assassination. The trailers that I saw in theaters a few years back almost suggested one of those "lovers-torn-apart-in-a-world-gone-mad" films that we've all come to know and find suspect. But the tone of the actual film is really quite muted.

What makes "The Boxer" ring true is the very tentativeness of the relationship between Daniel Day-Lewis and Emily Watson's characters. One time teenage lovers, they have been separated for 14 years while Danny Flynn (Day-Lewis) served a prison term for unspecified political activity. Released now, at the age of 32, he wants only to be left alone and to resume his boxing career. To Sheridan's credit, the irony that the BOXER has, in fact, become a man of peace is not dwelled upon. Nor is the tentative reunion with his lost love exactly the stuff of Sturm und Drang.

There is an overall sense of Irish reserve in the film, a sense that brutal political realities have left all of its characters emotionally stunted. That may be "The Boxer's" greatest achievement, in fact, that the human cost of this political tragedy is not just measured in the body counts, but in the thousands of "small deaths" each individual experiences almost daily.

What a guy
Daniel Day-Lewis must be the most versatile film actor in the world. He looks like a different person in almost every film he makes. I assume that's the real Day-Lewis in this flick about the rebellion in Northern Ireland, revenge and absolution. His romantic interest, Emily Watson, puts in a good performance too. Day-Lewis looks a lot different than he did in "Gangs of New York", "The Unbearable Lightness of Being", "My Left Foot" and "Last of the Mohicans" but he is just as compelling in his performance. I thought this movie degraded a bit at the end with its somewhat Hollywood finale, but otherwise I enjoyed it. If you like substantial filmmaking, good acting, great drama, unfamiliar vistas and a good story, you'll enjoy it too.

A Day-Lewis in the life
This film passed through our shores largely unnoticed, which is a shame, because Jim Sheridan's third foray with Daniel Day-Lewis is as capable and rewarding (if not as technically brilliant) as their first two ("In The Name Of The Father", "My Left Foot").

For one thing, the direction and editing is superb. There are a number of deleted scenes that probably should have been left in to complete the lack of continuity between some of the characters' relationships; particularly the prison scene between Maggie and her husband (they talk about 'prisoner's wives' but we never see the prisoners).

That being said, the score is also a bit weak at times, but the film looks crisp and clear, the sound is flawless, and the commentary (particularly Sheridan's) is worth sitting through at least once.

Day-Lewis (recently robbed of a much-deserved Oscar for "Gangs Of New York) is in top form here; thoroughly believeable as Danny "Danny Boy" Flynn. Emily Watson and Brian Cox are reliable as always, but from start to finish, this is Day-Lewis' show.

Moody, Deep and Rewarding
I love Daniel Day-Lewis. His wounded slow burn as Danny Flynn, a man recently released from prison after more than a decade, returning to his old neighborhood and trying to escape the ghosts of his past but confronted by the woman he (still) loves, who has married and had a child and a host of friends still separated by the politics of war is a quiet revelation. While his attempt to revive his career as a fighter fizzles and his life is under constant threat, Danny makes the most of his situation by standing up against the opression and laws that have cost so many of his friends their freedom and in some cases, their lives. Emily Watson is note perfect as his former love interest and she brings a quiet dignity to her role as a single mother torn between devotion to her imprisoned husband, protecting her pre-teen son, and her resurging feelings for Danny. While many won't like the tone and pacing of this film, I find it entrancing and marvel at Day-Lewis vulnerable, quiet power. Superb! ... Read more