Punch

Jim grows up under the shadow of his former boxer father, Stan, and decides to pursue boxing himself. Stan's past as a professional fighter shapes Jim's training, discipline, and ambitions. The father-son bond centers on the sport as the path to success.

Jim discovers he is homosexual and starts a relationship with Whetu, a fellow teenager and aspiring singer. The romance develops in a climate of suspicion and hostility from parts of their town. The couple hides or shields their bond from others as they navigate coming-of-age and love.

Their relationship is seen negatively by almost everyone in the town, with particular hostility from the local males. Friends and neighbors outwardly condemn the romance, creating a hostile social environment. The couple must contend with social stigma as they grow closer.

Whetu is severely beaten and raped by Jim's boxing promoter and the promoter's friends. The violent act exposes the darker side of the boxing world and the risks the couple faces. The assault becomes a pivotal moment that tests Stan, Jim, and Whetu's bonds.

Visiting Whetu in the hospital, Stan accepts that Jim and Whetu have a relationship and tells Jim that his happiness is what matters most. His stance provides emotional support to the couple amid trauma. Stan's acceptance deepens Jim's resolve.

After Whetu is released from the hospital, Jim and Whetu exact revenge on the promoter by blowing up his car. The act signals a dangerous escalation in the conflict surrounding Jim's boxing world. The violence underscores the costs of the town's prejudice.

Stan receives the news that he has terminal cancer as Jim begins to train for a fight that could crown him regional champion. The revelation adds a heavy burden, threatening to derail Jim's focus. Stan contempl ates how to protect his son from the pain of illness.

Deciding to shield Jim from the truth, Stan hides his illness so his son can concentrate on the physical and mental preparation for the contest. He sacrifices openness to preserve Jim's momentum. This secrecy frames the emotional core of the fight's buildup.

The promoter retaliates for the car bombing by trying to force Jim to lose the bout, betting heavily against him and revealing Stan's cancer to distract him. His manipulation underscores the corrupt pressure within the sport. Jim must decide how to navigate the bait and stay true to himself.

On the day of the title fight, Jim gives his all and looks to have the upper hand as his father sits ringside. Just as Jim nears victory, Stan collapses, creating a crisis that diverts Jim's focus. Jim leaps from the ring in an effort to be with his father, resulting in a disqualification and the promoter's win.

Whetu is shown singing, having achieved his dream of becoming a singer. The performance signals a bright future after the turmoil. The moment contrasts with Jim's struggle and sets up the film's emotional arc.

Jim decides to stay in town and quits boxing, choosing a new path by pursuing videography. He reevaluates his life after the traumatic events and seeks creative expression behind the camera. The choice marks a hopeful turn after the violence and loss.

The film ends with Jim editing a video tribute to his time and relationship with Whetu, underscoring the impact of their bond. The montage presents memory as a healing process and closes the arc on love and memory. Jim's tribute encapsulates the story's emotional core.