The Butcher Boy

The Butcher Boy

3/4/1998 1h 50m 6.8/10

Overview

Francie and Joe live the usual playful, fantasy filled childhoods of normal boys. However, with a violent, alcoholic father and a manic depressive, suicidal mother the pressure on Francie to grow up are immense. When Francie's world turns to madness, he tries to counter it with further insanity, with dire consequences.

Director

Neil Jordan

Top Billed Cast

Eamonn Owens

Eamonn Owens

Francie Brady

Peter Gowen

Peter Gowen

Leddy

Fiona Shaw

Fiona Shaw

Mrs. Nugent

Stephen Rea

Stephen Rea

Da Brady

Ian Hart

Ian Hart

Uncle Arlo

Alan Boyle

Joe Purcell

Reviews

deepkino

11/4/2025

/10

A darkly comic and disturbing look at childhood gone wrong in 1960s Ireland. Between Francie Brady’s wild imagination, religious satire, and Sinead O’Connor as a vision of the Virgin Mary, it’s one of the most unique coming-of-age films I’ve ever seen. Funny, tragic, and haunting all at once! The film is a strange one, centering on a sweet and lovely kid who becomes a victim of ostracism.

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