Initially, Billy’s family is not supportive but eventually, the bond and growth is made more

apparent. The movie begins with a portrait of a dysfunctional family. There is a strained
relationship between Jackie and Billy due to the death of the mother and the miner’s strike
which has led to Jackie’s retreat from the world. Jackie’s views are conservative
metaphorically shown through the superimposed metal wire on his face as he overlooks
Billy’s boxing lessons. Billy is characterized as an independent boy who has maturity beyond
his age. The opening scene shows him assuming the caretaker role for his demented
grandmother. Jackie is determined to forge his ideas of masculinity into his son, but later
realizes he has let his preconceptions cloud his judgment on Billy’s ability. Jackie changes as
he overcomes the stereotypes towards gender roles as he begins to realize the true
potential in which Billy possesses, and in turn, forgoes his stance on the miner’s strike. This
is shown in the dialogue “Scab, Scab, Scab” bellowed out by the miners when Jackie is on
the private bus. He is determined to start working and make sacrifices such as selling his
wife’s jewelry in order to fund Billy on his trip to London. By the end of the movie, Jackie is
more involved in Billy’s life, supportive of his dreams and reasserts his role as Billy’s father.
The mid-shot of them sitting on a brick wall together demonstrate equality and how they
have changed to develop a new understanding for each other.