Set in the world of female boxing competions, this low budget feature really punches above it's weight. Beautifully acted and directed, it's story is gripping and personal. I'd highly recommend a look to see just how much can be done to create character driven story and tension, with a small amount of finance. The editing is tight and the performances are powerful. The soundtrack keeps us feeling the presence of the boxing ring, while the ensemble of actors brings us into the messy and conflicted world of the boxing competitions. It is a powerhouse of a production and I look forward to seeing what is next for this team.
5 Reviews
In a competitive, brutal sport, the real stories happen outside the ring.
farrell-caroline3 May 2024
Two young women boxers await their chance to shine in a competitive, brutal sport, the real stories happening outside the ring. Dealing with her ruthless coach (Sinead O'Riordan), Toni (Ciara Berkeley) paces backstage with an unspoken anxiety that hints at her troubled backstory, while her opponent Vicki (Chrissie Cronin) is pushed to her limits by her father (Johnny Elliot) with a subtle manipulation that hints perhaps at the unfulfillment of his own broken dreams. Accomplished performances bring authenticity to the claustrophobia of the backstage areas where several, interconnecting narratives entwine with growing tension. Shots of dramedy spiral darkly into violent and deceitful actions of opposing brothers in crime (Ben Condron and Frank Prendergast) as ruthless coach Emma plays her own game of manipulation and dishonesty. A visceral exploration by the director (Maurice O'Carroll), SWING BOUT portrays the murkier and male-dominated side of the business, and I was left wanting more from the female characters of Toni and Vicki who both shine from the screen with trajectories of light and dark, bravery and fear, their ambitions at the mercy of the influencers whom control their fates.
Pulls no punches.
dansiron-2930126 April 2024
We have all seen poorly made boxing films where the action is spoiled by unconvincing fight scenes. This is not one of those movies.
A boxing themed film where you never once see the ring? Never see the combatants following the Queensbury rules? Shouldn't work. Absolutely does work. Beautifully
The story is the double dealing backstage antics and rivalry of many different threads and not the fights themselves. And it is far, far more interesting because of this.
There's humour a plenty from O'Riordan and cast, drama and high stakes. But there is also sensitivity and real gut wrenching emotion from Berkeley and Cronin in particular, wonderfully driven by O'Riordan.
Not what you expect. But all the better because of this.
Well done in all aspects.
A boxing themed film where you never once see the ring? Never see the combatants following the Queensbury rules? Shouldn't work. Absolutely does work. Beautifully
The story is the double dealing backstage antics and rivalry of many different threads and not the fights themselves. And it is far, far more interesting because of this.
There's humour a plenty from O'Riordan and cast, drama and high stakes. But there is also sensitivity and real gut wrenching emotion from Berkeley and Cronin in particular, wonderfully driven by O'Riordan.
Not what you expect. But all the better because of this.
Well done in all aspects.
Independent Film Making at its best.
aidanosullivan-1019626 April 2024
Swing Bout has lots of great characters that are very well acted. There are many themes including scheming, betrayal, revenge and also reconciliation. Having the action of a boxing film take place outside of the ring and instead in the confined space of a boxing arenas locker rooms, offices and hallways gives the film a great sense of tension and drama. Its a sign of how good the film is when you don't need action in the ring to make a boxing film great to watch. The direction is well crafted and spot on. I look forward to watching more work from the creative team of Maurice O'Carroll and Sinead O'Riordan.
Great Irish cinema with no agendas, just great story telling and great characters
brianpatrickanthony13 May 2024
Great independent Irish cinema with no agendas, just great storytelling and great characters on a roller coaster of adrenaline. I loved the characters, they felt real and relatable. The plot and sub-plot interweved perfectly and the comedy and drama balance was perfect. Well done to all involved.
When you consider the rubbish that Hollywood is churning out with massive budgets and then when you see what talented passionate people can produce with tiny budgets without the interference of studios and agendas it's clear that allowing directors and producers to be their authentic selves and tell stories they believe in leads to far superior work. It's a pity the industry is so upside down like this, but its refreshing to know that great cinema still exists. Highly recommend.
When you consider the rubbish that Hollywood is churning out with massive budgets and then when you see what talented passionate people can produce with tiny budgets without the interference of studios and agendas it's clear that allowing directors and producers to be their authentic selves and tell stories they believe in leads to far superior work. It's a pity the industry is so upside down like this, but its refreshing to know that great cinema still exists. Highly recommend.
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