Review

by Kelechi E

Good acting, film so-so

A powerful story but can still be unsatisfying. Daniel Day Lewis plays Danny Flynn, release from 14 years in prison for his IRA activities. He tries to move on in his life by creating boxing gym but his old past comes back to haunt him. Daniel Day Lewis is brilliant and he doesn’t really put a foot wrong. Emily Watson as his love interest also gives a convincing display. The only problem with this film is that it doesn’t feel cinematic. It feels like it was shot for TV. Also there are some plots involving Danny that don’t make sense, are weak and unresolved. But all of those negatives are small. It is very dramatic and could be dubbed as the Irish Rocky as there are some scenes which will remind you of Stallone’s Balboa. I think the greatest strength from this film is that it addresses the problem in Ireland and you will walk away from this with some education under your belt.