The Boondock Saints is a cult film first released in 1999. A box office failure upon release, in the years following it has achieved a loyal and passionate audience. The movie meshes highly stylized episodes of vigilante justice, young attractive protagonists, dark humour, and multiple different tones. Around this, writer-director, Troy Duffy wraps references to Catholic rituals, traditions, and symbols. It is not a move about religion but its overt use of religious symbolism makes it an interesting choice for the examination of religion in film. The film can be examined on a number of levels including role of religion in society.
The intent of the website is to identify and explain religious references and symbols used throughout the film. It will be argued that these aspects of the film are significant contributors to its cult status or life after general release. An underlying theme of the film is there is evil in the world and the only way to stop it is to destroy it. That is a message a lot of people are open to or agree with.
EVAN MADDICK
STUDENT NUMBER: 201327814