It’s been a long week here in HeidiTown, so I’m going to recycle this old movie post because St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and I did promise a little green this month. Next week I’ll get back to the event and festival post. In the meantime, pour yourself a nip of whiskey and enjoy!
“The Commitments” (1991) – This is one I’ve seen multiple times. If it’s ever on television, I will watch it. Set in Dublin, during the 80’s, it follows a group of young people as they form a “soul” band. The cast members played the instruments and did all their own vocals. If you have somehow missed this one, rent it today.
“Circle of Friends” (1995) – Chick flick alert! Starring Minnie Driver, Chris O’Donnell and the beautiful Saffron Burrows, this is a movie based on a best selling novel by Maeve Binchy. Set in a small Irish village in 1949, “Circle of Friends” is a coming of age story. This film is sometimes funny, sometimes sad, and always charming.
“The General” (1998) – Brendan Gleeson, who recently starred in “In Bruge,” plays the real-life character of Martin Cahill, a notorious Dublin gangster in the 1980’s, who had little respect for the IRA and even less for the Dublin police. The movie features his daring capers, and unconventional personal life. In a twenty-year career, Cahill is believed to have stolen over 60 million dollars.
“In the Name of the Father” (1994) – One of the best movies on this list, this one is also based on a true story. Daniel Day-Lewis gives a powerful performance as Gerry Conlon, a young man accused of taking part in an IRA bombing in 1974. Based on a true story, both Daniel Day-Lewis and Emma Thompson were nominated for Academy Awards for their roles in this film. The movie was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Director, Best Editing, and Best Supporting Actor.
“Once” (2007) – A slow moving, yet beautiful film set in modern day Dublin. Read my review here.
For a comprehensive list of Irish movies, go to www.irishfilm.net.
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I love CIRCLE OF FRIENDS!!!! 🙂
I could not get into ONCE at all. But I did like when that chick was dragging her vacuum cleaner around. Pretty funny.
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Thanks for stopping in Amy! My husband was not a huge fan of “Once” either. Too many long, drawn out musical scenes for his taste, but I thought it was a lovely film.
I saw a film several years ago that I wanted to put on this list, but I can’t remember the name. It’s about two little boys in Northern Ireland who live on different sides of war torn Belfast. The two boys become great friends, despite living in opposing communities. If anyone knows the name of this film, please let me know! It was a gem.
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The film you’re looking for is called Mickey-Bo and Me. It’s a great movie alright. Hope you find it!
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Thank you Clara! I will put it on my Netflix immediately – I’ve wanted my husband to see it for a long time, but couldn’t remember the name!
THANK YOU!!! And thanks for stopping by HeidiTown!