The Grass Arena
Synopsis
The Grass Arena is based on the autobiography of John Healy. Raised in an strongly religious family, with an abusive father, John soon learns that he has to defend himself. Growing into adulthood he takes up boxing, but soon falls victim to alcoholism. His boxing career over, John takes to the Grass Arena (the park) where he lives with other alcoholics. Prison time introduces him to a new and unexpected path.
Top Cast
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Mark Rylance
John Healy
Pete Postlethwaite
The Dipper
Lynsey Baxter
Madalena
Marian McLoughlin
Mrs. Healy
Billy Boyle
Mr. Healy
Ronan Vibert
Charles Fieldhouse
Clive Russell
Mac
Julian Firth
Bates
Paddy Joyce
Kelly
Gerard Horan
The Sham
Bunny May
Fox
Brian Hall
George
Nicholas Palliser
Chess Opponent
Noreen Kershaw
Woman in Cafe
Harry Landis
Kaufman
Andrew Dicks
Young John Healy
Nick Dawney
Young Terry Healy
Louis Mellis
Jock
Release History & Theatrical Window
BFI London Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
May 14, 2018
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Gillies MacKinnon
- Screenplay & Story
- Frank Deasy
- Original Title
- The Grass Arena
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 30m
- Production Studios
- BBC Film
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Gillies MacKinnon
Frank Deasy, John Healy
Michael Parker
Department Leadership Roster
Gillies MacKinnon
Director
Frank Deasy
Screenplay
Michael Parker
Editor
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Suitable only for 15 years and over.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Grass Arena.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Grass Arena
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Grass Arena about?
The Grass Arena is based on the autobiography of John Healy. Raised in an strongly religious family, with an abusive father, John soon learns that he has to defend himself. Growing into adulthood he takes up boxing, but soon falls victim to alcoholism. His boxing career over, John takes to the Grass Arena (the park) where he lives with other alcoholics. Prison time introduces him to a new and unexpected path.
Who directed The Grass Arena?
The Grass Arena was directed by Gillies MacKinnon.
Who stars in The Grass Arena?
The principal cast of The Grass Arena includes Mark Rylance, Pete Postlethwaite, Lynsey Baxter, Marian McLoughlin, Billy Boyle.
When was The Grass Arena released and how long is it?
The Grass Arena was released in 1991 with a total runtime of 1h 30m.
Is The Grass Arena based on a book or true story?
The Grass Arena is adapted from the following source material: Book: "John Healy".
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Grass Arena?
The Grass Arena holds official age classifications: GB: 15 (Suitable only for 15 years and over.).