Winner of Best Performance (Michael Pitt) and Nominated for Best Director (Jack Huston)
Q&A with Jack Huston
On the day of his first fight since leaving prison, a once celebrated boxer takes a redemptive journey through his past and present. This is an underdog story built on introspection, self-sacrifice and forgiveness which asks the question: how far are we willing to go for the ones we love?
“Memories come and go, especially the difficult ones”. Renowned boxer “Irish” Mike Flannigan (Michael Pitt) has not boxed in years. A former alcoholic who spent years in jail for crashing into a car and killing a child while drunk driving, he now has a shot at redemption: his first boxing match in years. Hours before the fight, he visits friends, pawns his mother’s wedding ring, visits his ailing father and spends time with his ex-wife. After a day spent seeking advice from friends, reconciling with his abusive father and estranged wife, and training for the fight, “Irish” scrambles to Madison Square Garden where he comes face-to-face with his opponent.
A comeback story that reaches sublime heights, Day of the Fight is a humanist drama of the highest order. Set in New York City in the late 80s, this film boasts a deluxe visual style, rendered in crisp black-and-white cinematography.
Stellar acting from Joe Pesci (who also serves as executive producer) as Mike’s father, Ron Perlman as Mike’s trainer, and Steve Buscemi as a generous friend make this film a must see.
Day of the Fight is a poetic film that is inspiring and life-affirming. It is a poignant movie that is as much about forgiveness as it is about hope.
Manuel Delgadillo
