Poor Boy's Game

Directed by: Clement Virgo
Starring: Rossif Sutherland, Flex Alexander, Danny Glover

As a teenager, boxing prospect Donnie Rose is jailed for a horrible beating that leaves a young black man severely handicapped. Nine years later, a repentant Rose is released and returns to his home in Halifax where he's welcomed by his white family and friends, but the black community still wants vengeance for the brutal crime committed to one of their own. When black boxing star Ossie Paris, who's being trained by the victim's father, George, challenges Rose to a fight, the stage is set for a classic story of retribution.

Poor Boy's Game eschews the simple revenge fantasy and grows into a tale of forgiveness. Much like Rose, George wants to move on with his life. Knowing that Rose is facing almost certain death in the match and concerned about his community's bloodlust, George decides to train Rose, rather than Paris, for the big fight. Amidst brutal racial tensions and escalating violence on both sides, Rose and George form a precarious but healing bond and learn to step outside of their "tribes," make positive changes in their lives and finally let go of their hatred.

With a great script and keen direction, Poor Boy's Game is both a great sports film and a gripping tale of racial conflict and poverty in Halifax.