The Boxer
Directed by Jim Sheridan and Arthur Lappin, Written by Jim Sheridan, Terry George and Arthur Lappin, Produced by Jim Sheridan and Arthur Lappin
Daniel Day-Lewis (who worked with Jim Sheridan on ‘In the Name of the Father’ (1993)), plays an ex-IRA volunteer called Danny Flynn. Fresh from a 14-year sentence in prison, he attempts to open a non-sectarian boxing club in his neighbourhood. He reconnects with an old flame (Emily Watson), now married to his best friend, who is still in prison for his IRA links. The seemingly inescapable Troubles continue to threaten his hopes for a better life.
Although it is set in Belfast, ‘The Boxer’ was almost exclusively shot in the docklands and Sheriff Street area of Dublin’s North Inner City. The flat complex used in the film was earmarked for demolition but this was postponed until filming was completed. Since then the entire area has been redeveloped. Daniel Day-Lewis was said to have boxed and trained for a number of years for his role as Danny Flynn.
The Boxer, like many other works of film and literature, asks if it was possible for someone to live a normal life, governed by personal concerns, against the back drop of a violent conflict and its claims on the loyalty of ordinary people.
Further Infomation
Genre
Drama - Theatrical
Company
Hell’s Kitchen, Universal Studios, with the assistance of bord scannan na heireann
Release Year
1998Period Set
1990WRITER(s)/ DIRECTOR(s)/ PRODUCER(s)
Writer
Jim Sheridan, Terry George, Arthur Lappin
Director
Jim Sheridan, Arthur Lappin
Producer
Jim Sheridan, Arthur Lappin
ACTORS
Daniel Day-Lewis - Danny Flynn
Lorraine Pilkington - Bride
Niall Shanahan - Groom
John Wall - Priest
Maria McDermottroe - Betty
David McBlain - Sean
Emily Watson - Maggie
Sandra Corbally - Cake Decorator
Eleanor Methven - Patsy
Gerard McSorley - Harry
Tess Sheridan - Pianist
Brian Cox - Joe Hamill
David Hayman - Joe Hamill’s Aide
Paul Sheridan - IRA Man
John Sheridan - IRA Man
Pat Mulryan - IRA Man
Peter O’Donoghue - IRA Man
Joseph Rea - Agnes’ Son
Joan Sheehy - Agnes
Peter Sheridan - Peter Mallon
Ken Stott - Ike Weir
Kenneth Cranham - Matt MaGuire
Philip Sutcliffe - Boxer On Pads
Britta Smith - Mrs. Boots
Gavin Kennedy - Bootsy
Liam Carney - Mr. Walsh
Veronica Duffy - Mrs. Walsh
Des Braiden - Mr. Orr
Joan Brosnan Walsh - Mrs. Orr
Sean Donaghy - Mickey
Brian Milligan - Ned
Mick Tohill - Billy Patterson
Ian McElhinney - Reggie Bell
Conor Bradford - TV Announcer