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Shadowboxer

Shadowboxer is a 2005 American crime thriller film directed by Lee Daniels and starring Cuba Gooding Jr., Helen Mirren, Vanessa Ferlito, Macy Gray, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Mo'Nique, and Stephen Dorff.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Shadowboxer is a 2005 American crime thriller film directed by Lee Daniels. The film stars Cuba Gooding Jr., Helen Mirren, Vanessa Ferlito, Macy Gray, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Mo'Nique, and Stephen Dorff. It follows two assassin lovers whose lives change after they refuse a killing when the target is discovered to be pregnant.

Plot

The film follows two assassins, Rose and Mikey, whose next job is disrupted when Rose refuses to kill a pregnant target. This decision drives the pair into a dangerous new situation involving crime, loyalty, and survival.

Cast

The principal cast includes Cuba Gooding Jr., Helen Mirren, Vanessa Ferlito, Macy Gray, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Mo'Nique, and Stephen Dorff. The film is notable for pairing Gooding Jr. and Mirren in lead roles.

Release

Shadowboxer premiered in 2005 and received a limited release in six U.S. cities. Later distribution listings also identify it as a 93-minute R-rated thriller.

Reception and classification

The film is generally classified as a crime thriller, with some sources also describing its tone as noir or mystery-thriller. Available listings identify it as an adult-rated film with violent and sexual content.

Key facts

  • Shadowboxer is a 2005 film directed by Lee Daniels.
  • The film stars Cuba Gooding Jr. and Helen Mirren as assassin partners.
  • Its plot centers on a hit target who is discovered to be pregnant, changing the assassins' plan.
  • The film had a limited theatrical release in New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Richmond, Virginia.
  • The film is listed as a crime thriller and has a runtime of 93 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

What is Shadowboxer?
Shadowboxer is a 2005 American crime thriller film directed by Lee Daniels.
Who stars in Shadowboxer?
The film stars Cuba Gooding Jr., Helen Mirren, Vanessa Ferlito, Macy Gray, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Mo'Nique, and Stephen Dorff.
What is Shadowboxer about?
It follows two assassins whose lives change when they are hired to kill a pregnant woman and instead decide to protect her.
When was Shadowboxer released?
It was released in 2005, with an initial limited release in six U.S. cities.
What genre is Shadowboxer?
It is described as a crime thriller, with some listings using thriller, mystery, action, or drama labels.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shadowboxer
    Supports: Basic identification as a 2005 crime thriller directed by Lee Daniels; cast list; limited release in six U.S. cities.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0396857/
    Supports: Runtime, content rating, genre labels, and release information.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/shadowboxer
    Supports: Rating, runtime, original-language and genre classification.
  4. Turner Classic Movies — https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/636515/shadowboxer
    Supports: Plot description, principal characters, and crime-thriller classification.
  5. Apple TV — https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/shadowboxer/umc.cmc.12h0hqjr50h6ueqrwzubbjagi
    Supports: Synopsis, cast, director, and year.