Watch Southie

Southie is a gritty drama directed by John Shea, which takes place in South Boston, also known as Southie, in the 1990s. The film follows a young man named Danny Quinn, portrayed by the talented Donnie Wahlberg, returning to his hometown after having served some time in prison. Danny is determined to turn over a new leaf and leave his criminal past behind, but old habits die hard, and he soon finds it difficult to escape the world of violence and drugs that seems to have engulfed Southie.

As soon as Danny arrives back in town, he is met with hostility from his family and former friends, as his criminal activities have caused them major trouble in the past. His father, played by familiar comedic actress Anne Meara, is ashamed of his son's criminal past and blames him for the family's woes. Danny's brother refuses to forgive him, and his childhood sweetheart, played by Rose McGowan, wants nothing to do with him.

Despite these setbacks, Danny tries his hardest to create a better life for himself. He starts working at a catering company and becomes acquainted with the beautiful and kind-hearted Karen, played by young actress Amanda Peet, who helps him to stay on the right track. However, his newfound stability soon becomes threatened, as he is recruited by a drug dealer to sell drugs. Danny resists the temptation at first, but when his financial situation worsens, he ultimately succumbs to the pressure and starts selling drugs.

As Danny becomes more involved in the drug trade, he realizes that his actions have far-reaching consequences—not only for himself but also for those around him, including his family and friends. He sees how drugs have ravaged the community and how so many people suffer because of addiction. Danny also discovers that the drug dealer is involved in some shady dealings and begins to question his involvement with him.

The film does an excellent job of portraying the gritty reality of life in Southie. The filmmakers capture the essence of the neighbourhood with its rundown buildings and narrow streets, and the incredible sense of community among the residents. However, the film also shows the darker side of Southie, with its high crime rate, drug use, and violence. The film depicts the struggles of those who live in a neighbourhood that seems to be stuck in a cycle of poverty and crime. The script does not shy away from showing the harsh realities of life on the streets; it is raw, unapologetic, and sometimes disturbing.

At the heart of the film is Donnie Wahlberg's performance as Danny Quinn. Wahlberg delivers a powerful performance that captures the essence of Danny's struggles. The film portrays him as a man who knows what he should do but finds it challenging to make the right choices. Anne Meara is excellent as Danny's mother, and her character's journey of acceptance is a refreshing change from the usual tropes found in crime dramas.

Somewhat surprisingly, Rose McGowan is relatively under-utilized in the film, and her character could have been given more depth. However, Amanda Peet's portrayal of Karen is excellent, and the chemistry between her and Wahlberg is palpable. Some of the most moving moments in the film stem from the friendship that develops between Karen and Danny.

In conclusion, Southie is a film well worth watching. It is not an easy watch, but it is a cinematic masterpiece that portrays the harsh realities of life in a neighbourhood that is often romanticized in film and television. The film's excellent cast, particularly Donnie Wahlberg, delivers some of the most moving performances of their careers. The script is raw, powerful, and unapologetic, reflecting the harsh realities of life in the streets. It is a film that makes one reflect on the impact of drugs on communities and the struggles that come with making the right choices in life.

Southie is a 1999 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4 and a MetaScore of 44.