Reviewed by Andrew J. Morris

The Butcher Boy, starring Stephen Rea, Fiona Shaw, Eamonn Owens, Alan Boyle and Aisling O'Sullivan was written by Neil Jordan and Patrick McCabe, based on the novel by Patrick McCabe, and directed by Neil Jordan. Rated R.

If you are looking for a pleasant evening of Irish humor, this is not the show for you. If, however, you want to see a well-acted and thoughtful portrayal of the dark side of human existence, then you will not be disappointed by this flick. It is the story of a young boy whose upbringing is hellish, and whose predictable reaction is as horrible as it is inevitable. His father is a violent drunk, his mother a suicidal mental case. He is put in a youth home where he is abused by a priest. His only friend betrays him. Life is not good for this boy who spends his days butchering pigs.