Year: 1999
Runtime: 95 min
Language: English
A compelling drama follows a man who returns to his working-class Boston neighborhood after leaving for New York City. He finds himself reconnecting with former lovers and facing old adversaries, forcing him to confront painful memories and the difficult truths of his past. The film explores themes of redemption and the challenges of returning to one's roots.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Southie yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Southie (1999), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Danny Quinn, portrayed by Donnie Wahlberg, is a former “street kid” from South Boston, known in the local lingo as “Southie.” After a three-year hiatus in New York City, he returns home to find his mother, Mrs. Quinn, played by Anne Meara, overwhelmed with concern for her children. The neighborhood, a gritty working-class area, has pulled her other three kids into a whirlpool of drinking, fighting, and sexual escapades.
In his quest to reconnect, Danny discovers his brothers tangled in the chaotic world of the Irish mob, deeply indebted to the local mobster Colie Powers, played by Lawrence Tierney. The situation is urgent; Danny’s younger sister, Kathy, played by Rose McGowan, has fallen into the life of a barfly during his absence, and he must find a quick solution to save his family.
In an effort to reclaim their dignity and support his distressed mother, Danny seeks out his former girlfriend, Marianne, portrayed by Amanda Peet](/actor/amanda-peet). Their reconnection reveals that the love they shared is still alive, even after years apart. Marianne even brings up the gunfight Danny had with Joey Ward, played by Jimmy Cummings, which had partially led to his departure. Danny admits that he left town to escape his drinking habits and transform into the man Marianne deserves.
Desperate for money, especially after being barred from union jobs due to a brawl at a wedding, Danny finds himself in a perilous situation. Old friends present him with an opportunity to invest in an underground gambling club, yet they conveniently omit that Joey Ward, his old rival, is their silent partner. As if the stakes weren’t high enough, Danny becomes unwittingly embroiled in a mob war, sparked by the actions of Joey’s father, Butchie.
The conflict escalates, eventually crashing into Danny’s life and culminating in a tragic event: the attempted murder outside his home takes the life of his beloved mother. The film concludes with an emotionally charged scene at Mrs. Quinn’s funeral, where Danny, along with Kathy, Marianne, Joey, and even Colie Powers, gather. In a poignant moment, Powers expresses a temporary truce in their long-standing conflict, paying his respects to Danny’s late mother, reminding all of the fragile lines between love, loyalty, and the brutal realities of their world.
Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 01:02
Don't stop at just watching — explore Southie in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Southie is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Southie with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like Southie that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Southie (1999) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Southie (1999) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like Southie – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
South Central (1992) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
South of Heaven (2021) Film Overview & Timeline
The Departed (2006) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
The Town (2010) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Blue Hill Avenue (2003) Full Summary & Key Details
State of Grace (1990) Film Overview & Timeline
Black Irish (2007) Story Summary & Characters
What Doesn't Kill You (2008) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints (2006) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Cost of a Soul (2011) Full Summary & Key Details
In America (2003) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Ash Wednesday (2002) Story Summary & Characters
10th & Wolf (2006) Full Movie Breakdown
Southpaw (2015) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Brooklyn Rules (2007) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap