Film Synopsis

Ironsides

A 1973 summer vacation becomes a battle for two boys who each strive
to make their fathers proud… one by fighting, the other by seeking peace.

Childhood battles on a secluded island offshore the small New England town of Unity have plagued 11-year-old Randy Scott ever since he became the target of local bullies. The Coltrain brothers don warpaint and terrorize the other kids. Simon especially is merciless, bragging that fists bounce off him, earning him the nickname “Ironsides.”

At home, Randy’s father, a low-level boxer, not proud of how he earns a living, begs his bruise-covered son to make peace.

Conversely, at the Coltrain’s home, the bullies are taught to fight by their alcoholic militant father, who enforces sadistic training, and beats both them and their mother.

When Randy’s father leaves town to fight his final match before retiring, Randy remains in the care of his crippled aunt. Suffering at the hands of Simon and his brothers for control of the island, Randy struggles to find a way toward peace to make his father proud.

But when Mr. Coltrain’s “training” goes too far, Randy intervenes and saves a life.

The physical abuse Simon is forced to endure, and Randy’s desire for resolution, soon make them both realize that perhaps their best hope is each other…

"He's not my dad. He's just my father."

IRONSIDES is a powerful, heartwarming drama about friendship overcoming a legacy of violence, and about peace being stronger than war.