Boxer
Sir Daniel Day-Lewis boxed and trained for three years in preparation for this role.,In one of the early scenes when Danny meets and talks to Maggie, she slaps him on the left side of his face. It was a very weak slap yet he gets a bad nose-bleed - from the right nostril. In the boxing sequences when his face is pummeled, there is less blood.,Danny: I'm not a killer, Maggie, but this place makes me want to kill.,Featured in The 55th Annual Golden Globe Awards (1998),LET ME DOWN EASY
Performed by Josie Doherty
Written by Josie Doherty
Arranged by Conor Brady,Sheridan's 'The Boxer' is far more complex than his other films like 'In The Name of The Father', 'My Left Foot' and 'In America'. The story revolves around a neighborhood of ordinary (and not-so-ordinary people) living in a troubled Northern Ireland. Sheridan successfully depicts the problem from both sides. One witnesses how difficult it is to lead a normal life in peace as this will be looked down upon and even used against you. The use of washed out colour gives a gloomy and depressing feel, and ironically also shows the weather. But, contradicting that Sheridan also skillfully portrays the love, devotion and hope of the people.

Fine performances are almost always expected from Sheridan's films and here too the actors do an outstanding job. Daniel Day-Lewis is superb. His restraint reflects Danny's calm dignity and he is very convincing as the man who recognizes a second opportunity in life and tries to make the better of it. Emily Watson is sublime. Her quiet portrayal of Maggie's strength, pride, courage and vulnerability is spot on. Brian Cox is stupendous. Gerard McSorley proves again how wickedly good he can be when it comes to playing menacing characters. Ken Stott is excellent.

I feel the reason why 'The Boxer' is so underrated and not as highly regarded as Sheridan's other films is because it's far more complicated than what they're used to seeing. However, in my opinion, this is just as effective as Scorsese's 'Raging Bull' and better than the likes of 'Rocky.,