The Boxer (1997)

Set in Ireland, a boxer (Daniel Day Lewis) and former Irish Republican Army member is released from prison after serving 14 years. Sick of all the violence the conflict between the Catholics and Protestants as well as the British have brought to his country, he attempts go straight. With this in mind, he opens a boxing club for boys in an old gym with the help of his former trainer (Ken Stott). Directed by Jim Sheridan (MY LEFT FOOT). A potent look at at two people (Emily Watson as the married woman Day Lewis loves) struggling to find normalcy and love amid the hate and chaos of a civil war. I don't pretend to understand all the complexities of "The Troubles" between the Irish Catholics and Protestants for 30 years but enough to appreciate Sheridan's handling of the tricky situation his two protagonists find themselves in. He never lets the turbulent political madness detract from the emotional connection of the two people at the center of the story. The excellent underscore is by Gavin Friday and Maurice Seezer. With Brian Cox and Gerard McSorley.