A young, succesful boxer is given the ultimatum; give up alcohol, or a boxing career. As he chooses the latter, he settles down to a new 'life', among the down-and-outs of his local park. The brutality of this existence is brought home to the viewer on several occasions, as John (the main character) is both witness to, and the victim of several particularly violent assaults. During a brief spell in prison, he learns to play chess - which leads to a form of spiritual awakening. He walks away from "The Grass Arena", and competes in chess tournaments. Depressing in places, but ultimately inspiring and compelling, it shows us how we can all triumph over seemingly insurmountable odds.
Review of The Grass Arena
