Strength and Honour (2007)

Director:

Mark Mahon

Writer:

Mark Mahon (writer)

Release Date:

2007 (Ireland )

Genre:

Action | Drama

Tagline:

The Battle of Good Versus Evil

Plot:

A single father decides to break his dying wife's last wish to not box again in order to save his young son from certain death. |

Awards:

17 wins & 1 nomination

Cast

Michael Madsen	...	Sean Kelleher
Vinnie Jones	...	Smasher O'Driscoll
Richard Chamberlain	...	Denis O'Leary
Patrick Bergin	...	Papa Boss
Luke Whelton	...	Michael Kelleher
Michael Rawley	...	Chaser McGrath
Gail Fitzpatrick	...	Mammy
Pat Shortt	...	Wheeler McCoy
Finbar Furey	...	Chosky Boss
Sheridan Mahon	...	Coco McGrath
Krystal Mahon	...	Baby McGrath
Myles Horgan	...	Barry Lacey
Michael John Galvin	...	Fixer Ward
Joe O'Gorman	...	Michael Murphy
Norma Sheahan	...	Shannon Kelleher

MPAA:

Rated R for some violence.

Runtime:

90 min

Country:

Ireland

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Ireland:15A | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Cork, County Cork, Ireland

Company:

Maron Pictures

A passionate attempt at a film which could have potentially been outstanding...

There are so many negative reviews surrounding this film but overall, I myself actually enjoyed it. That being said, however, this film is clearly not without its flaws and the storyline & general pace lacks consistency. Other major problems I had with this film include the most obvious; appalling Irish accents displayed by Michael Madsen & Richard Chamberlain, Madsen's melodramatic overly brooding portrayal of his character who I feel is undeserving of any best actor award based on this performance, Chamberlain's unbelievable performance as an Irish boxing trainer (way too much enthusiasm displayed here). Other flaws included incorrect & mixed itinerant accents displayed by most of the travelers (Rawley could have done without mentioning the cliché term "boss" in every other sentence), a very inaccurate and clichéd outlook on travelers in general (which I felt the writer/director could have researched a bit more) & a lack of build up or explanation to any major event in this film (it all felt a bit too much thrown into my lap).

However, all this being said I do consider this a very passionate and vast attempt by a first time writer/director and do respect that he managed to get Madsen, Chamberlain, Bergin & Jones on board for this. Vinnie Jones also delivers a much needed energetic villainous performance displaying a more than adequate accent, although maybe a bit too reminiscent of Brad Pitt's Mickey character in Guy Ritichie's "Snatch". Rawley was also great and more believable in his role than a lot others, a definite newcomer to watch out for. Maybe I'm a bit too critical of this film because I'm a Corkonian, have a boxing background or am of traveler origin myself so it may be a lot easier to nit pick instead of judging this film from an entertainment value alone perspective. But I'm sure they'll really enjoy this one in the States!