Releasing on DVD on July 17th
Rated: R
Synopsis:
Liam Neeson gives a knockout performance as Danny Scoular, a loving family man and out-of-work coal miner with a criminal record and one desperate option: a high-risk, bare-knuckles prizefight financed by the ruthless Glasgow underworld. But as Danny trains for the illegal brawl, his wife (Joanne Whalley-Kilmer) leaves with the children and seeks comfort in the arms of another (Hugh Grant). Can Danny win back both his dignity and his family?
My Thoughts:
My husband and I are hug Liam Neeson fans, and try and watch every movie he is in. I was surprised with this re-release coming soon, as I had never heard about it until I received for review. So, the other night, I surprised my husband with this movie as part of of in house date night. When I asked if he had this movie before, he shook his head no. We were in for a treat, then, as the cover art alone pulled us in and made us want to see how he crosses the line.
Based on a book by William Mcllvanney, this film, which was released in 1990, also features up and coming actor, Hugh Grant -- another one of my favorites. Liam Neeson plays a miner who becomes unemployed during a union strike. Looking to make money to help support his family, he agrees to fight in an illegal bare-knuckle boxing match. Be warned that this boxing match is graphic and had me looking away during a few of the scenes. My husband was surprised at how brutal this match was and how well they choreographed a fight scene like this from an an early 90's movie, as this time period was turning out cheesy fight scenes.
Even though the film revolves around his participating in this brutal bare-knuckle match, the movie overall is a drama and plays out as such. If you were laid off and needed to support your family, would you participate in a fight like this? I posed this question to my husband, and after a short time, he didn't think he could last in a fight like this.
Throughout the film, we were both on the edge of our seats wondering what would happen next. And, when Liam Neeson's character stepped into the ring to fight, we were both cheering him on, as if we were sitting on the sidelines. Liam Neeson does an amazing portraying this down on his luck Scottish fella. I am amazed at the different types of characters he can play, and how he nails each performance. If you are a fan of Liam Neeson and haven't seen this movie, you much pick up a copy and watch it. It is great seeing how he has evolved into the career he has now, from watching his early work. We will definitely be watching this movie again!!
Even though the film revolves around his participating in this brutal bare-knuckle match, the movie overall is a drama and plays out as such. If you were laid off and needed to support your family, would you participate in a fight like this? I posed this question to my husband, and after a short time, he didn't think he could last in a fight like this.
Throughout the film, we were both on the edge of our seats wondering what would happen next. And, when Liam Neeson's character stepped into the ring to fight, we were both cheering him on, as if we were sitting on the sidelines. Liam Neeson does an amazing portraying this down on his luck Scottish fella. I am amazed at the different types of characters he can play, and how he nails each performance. If you are a fan of Liam Neeson and haven't seen this movie, you much pick up a copy and watch it. It is great seeing how he has evolved into the career he has now, from watching his early work. We will definitely be watching this movie again!!
Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this DVD from the vendor in order to write up an honest review. The views above are mine and mine alone.
This sounds good. I really think my son-in-law would enjoy this one. Thanks for reviewing! I never heard of it either until now
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