Punch (2002)

Probably not the worst film I've ever sat through, but definitely one of the worst. However, what bothers me most about it isn't the terrible film itself... it's the fact that it was written and directed by the lead actress' father. He put his daughter in the role of Ariel, a character who has inappropriate feelings for her father.Let that sink in for a moment.We first see Ariel in a swimming pool with her father, setting up their awkwardly sexualized relationship which is the basic framework of the story. Later, we see her fully naked, bluntly attempting to seduce her tutor. This scene also reinforces the idea that Ariel is a "bad person." Finally, we see her savagely beaten by an angry lesbian. This serves as the climax of the film.If you were a filmmaker, would you put your daughter in that role? If so, what fucking planet are you from?Other than that, this is a very dull film.

First of all then, my proper mark out of 10 here should be 6.5. I think that a 7 would be too generous for a film which, in the main, is very good indeed. I am not plot spoiling here by saying that the film contains unnecessary female topless boxing. In all honesty, the director could have chosen something completely different to link his characters. But then I believe that he has openly admitted that the audience can make their own mind up as to if the boxing is just in there to titillate the majority of the male contingent of those watching. This, in itself, is basically admitting that that is just the reason why it's there. However, if I were a female spectator, I would feel somewhat uncomfortable. This is unfortunate really because, in the main, the bulk of the story is more one that would appeal to the female movie watcher. I think that what I am trying to say here is that I have marked the film down purely because of the inclusion of the boxing. It is true that the DVD box and its description are a little deceiving. This is a film far more involved in dealing with relationships. The oh so very close relationship between father and daughter, between the father and his new partner (and how the daughter copes with it), and then the relationship between the new partner and her sister. The box clearly depicts the daughter (Sonja Bennett) as a boxer....well, she isn't. Clearly unstable and ready for fight maybe.....but not a boxer.I believe that Sonja Bennett received awards in her homeland of Canada for her acting in this movie but I really can't say that she was at all brilliant. Her maniacal display of tap dancing was more funny than anything else. However, I feel that the acting awards here should go to the father (Michael Riley). He was outstanding, and his monologue story about his first meeting with his now deceased wife was so so heart wrenching and beautifully done. I have to admit that when I read that Sonja Bennett is, in actual fact, the daughter of the director Guy Bennett, i felt just a little uncomfortable by the fact that there are two scenes of nudity involving his daughter, one of which leaves nothing to the imagination. It therefore made me watch the scenes with the directors audio commentary to see what he had to say about them. Happily, he did say that he wasn't in the room when these scenes were shot. So to conclude.......it is a shame to say that this very good movie could so much have been a great movie. Some viewers should not be left feeling uncomfortable about what is, in essence, a simple tale of relationships. Please give it a watch.

NO SPOILER :-) A surprisingly solid movie. Do not watch this if you want a Hollywood film that ties up all the loose ends and is cookie-cutter and two-dimensional. The writing here is complex, real, sensible, but not 'perfect'. I could easily imagine these people living next door. It also does not fall into the trap of becoming too complex to follow, or too full of emotional overtones to be believable.As for the 'topless female boxing as titillation' complaint, well, that is bunk. The situation is just another example of a character who is trying to find her solutions imperfectly in an imperfect world. She too grows throughout the movie, and this has effects on her chosen career. As the boxer says in defense of her career to a baseless charge: "This is how we make our living". Going into the ring is just going to work - sure she has her personal reasons for choosing her career, but who does not? Sonja Bennett is very solid, as is the rest of the cast. Others say more about this, so I will desist.Rent it and watch it with a loved one. It may provoke some surprising conversations! Lance

Despite the topless female boxing (which was tough to watch, not sexy - sorry!), this might be more of a women's film than a boy flick. I think it is about people progressing on the path to healthy and happiness. It's a Canadian movie (defnitely not Hollywood!), so no-one achieves nirvana by the end of this interesting 90-minute ride.The acting is stand-out. The writing is crisp. And in a dark way, it is funny.I like this movie. And it is safe to take your boyfrined, because there is indeed the topless boxing.