Boxer, The

RATING: R

RELEASE: Dec. 31,1997

STARRING: Daniel Day-Lewis, Emily Watson, Ken Stott, Gerard McSorley, Brian Cox and Ciaran Fitzgerald

DIRECTOR: Jim Sheridan

DISTRIBUTOR: Universal Pictures

GENRE: Terrorist drama

CONTENT: Moral worldview opposed to sectarian and ethnic violence in N. Ireland with minor Christian references but containing an unbiblical view of marriage, negative portraits of sectarian Christians and one scene indirectly attacking the wealthy in London; 35 obscenities and 6 profanities; moderate violence, including brutal boxing matches, terrorist bombings, man executed in back of head, arson with child arsonist getting burned, hero physically beaten, and scenes of a major riot depicted adultery, one seduction attempt but no fornication or heavy petting; alcohol abuse; and, miscellaneous immorality such as inciting to riot, undermining peacemaking efforts, and violating the rule of law.

INTENDED AUDIENCE: Older teenagers and adults.

SUMMARY: The Boxer is the story a man with the moral courage to stand against political terrorism in the midst of an undeclared war. However, besides excessive foul language, three major weaknesses stop The Boxer from becoming a full success. First, the film refers only slightly to the Protestant aspects of the conflict in N. Ireland and depicts some Catholic IRA members as religious bigots. Second, the movie says nothing about the religious aspects of the conflict Finally, the movie gives no real explanation for Danny and Maggie's belief that it is okay for her to abandon her imprisoned husband and resume their romance. These flaws mar the otherwise excellent quality and morality of The Boxer.

Copyright Human Events Publishing, Inc. Jan 16, 1998
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