Irish Movies

In this article, I will cover a variety of Irish films. Irish history was often filled with war and violence as they fought for freedom.  Their free spirit is still with them today in their music, acting, and all the ways they present themselves to the world. Charming, tough and proud are the Irish people.


"Gangs of New York" (2002) Director:  Martin Scorsese, Starring:  Daniel-Day Lewis, Cameron Diaz, Jim Broadbent, John C. Reilly, and Leonardo DiCaprio

 

In 1863, Vallon (Leonardo DiCaprio) returns to the "Five Points" area of New York seeking revenge against the butcher who killed his father. This area of New York is not structured into a city; but is an area full of immigrants camping out and forming gangs. War is going on between the Irish and the local Italian gangs who feel the territory is theirs. Confusion, fighting, looting and lawlessness  prevail. 

"Circle of Friends" (1995) Directed by Pat O'Connor, Starring: Chris O'Donnell and Minnie Driver
Set in 1950's Ireland, the story focuses on Benny and Eve as they enter student life at University College Dublin. Here they interact with friends where the lines of  love and friendship become blurred.  This is a well loved classic film that gave Minnie Driver and Chris O'Donnel their debut on the big screen.

"Calvary" (2014) Directed by: John Michael McDonagh, Starring Brendan Gleeson, Chris O'dowd, Kelly Reilly

After he is threatened during a confession, a good-natured priest must battle the dark forces closing in around him. 

. . ."In this character, we get a real man who has lived life, knows pain, has flaws but is a shining light of integrity, morality and compassion. Brendan Gleeson is fabulous in his portrayal of Fr James who is asked to make the ultimate sacrifice as the good man laying down his life for the sins of others." Review by Rev Eamonn-donaghy (paraphrased)

 "The Commitments" (1991) Directed by Alan Parker, Starring:  Robert Arkins, Michael Aherne, Angeline Ball  

Roger Ebert review. . . "is a loud, rollicking, comic extravaganza about a rock band from the poorest precincts of North Dublin that decides to play soul music. The organizer of the band is the lean, ingenious Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins), whose suggestion is greeted with puzzlement by his friends. They like soul music, yes, but they don’t particularly identify with it. Rabbitte’s logic is persuasive: “The Irish are the blacks of Europe. Dubliners are the blacks of Ireland. North Dubliners are the blacks of Dublin.”

. . . the movie is filled with life and energy, and the music is honest."

  

"Albert Nobbs" (2012) Directed by: Rodrigo Garcia, Starring: Glenn Close as Albert Nobbs and Mia Wasikowska as Helen

In 19th century Ireland, a shy butler (Albert Nobbs) played by Glenn Close hides an incredible secret.  She is really not a man. Terrified that someone will discover her identity, Albert keeps a very low profile. She needed the butler job and women were not encouraged to have independence in this time period. Close won a academy award nomination for this movie.

 "Michael Collins" (1996) Directed by: Neil Jordan, Starring:  Liam Neeson, Julia Roberts, Aidan Quinn

Liam Nelson plays the Irish Republican Army's inspired strategist and military leader who fought the British Empire and invented techniques of guerilla warfare that shaped battles all over the world. 

This character performed with zest and conviction won Liam Nelson an oscar.

  

 

  

 

"The Departed" (2007)

Directed by Martin Scorsese,

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen and Ray Winstone

Taking place in Irish Boston, two men are trying to live public lives that are opposites of their true realities. Keeps you on edge as you wonder how far will they go? Great actors and great writing. Never a boring moment. I give it two thumbs up!   

"The Boondock Saints" (1999) Directed by Troy Duffy, Starring Willem Dafoe, Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus (from The Walking Dead)

Two Irish brothers accidentally kill mafia thugs. When they turn themselves in; they are released as heroes.  Then they think they are called  by God and start killing mafia gang members one by one. Willem Dafoe plays the detective trying to figure out the killings, but the closer he comes to catching them the more he thinks they are doing the right thing. A sequel with these same brothers was also made called "The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day" (2009)

"Kill the Irishman" (2011) Directed by Jonathan Hensleigh, Starring:  Ray Stevenson, Vincent D'Onofrio, Christopher Walken, Val Kilmer

This is a biographical crime film (alternately known as "Bulletproof Gangster") based on the life of Irish-American gangster Danny Greene, and was adapted from the book "To Kill the Irishman:  The War that Crippled the Mafia" by Rick Porrello.

This film gives us an inside look at the war between the Italian mafia and the Irish mafia in the 70's in Cleveland.  History tells us that over the summer of 1976 there were 36 bombs planted in the heart of Cleveland while a turf war raged between the Italians and the Irish.

 "State of Grace" (1990) Directed by Phil Joanou, Starring:  Sean Penn, Ed Harris, Gary Oldman, Robin Wright, John Torturro, Burgess Meredith

The movie opens with a reunion. Terry (Sean Penn), who used to live in the neighborhood, has been on the road for a few years. Now he is back in town and meeting Jackie (his best friend).  

What a cast! I would watch this one just for these actors. They play Irish-American gangsters who operate in Hell's Kitchen of New York City.

 

"The Cotton Club" (1984) Directed by Frances Ford Copella, Starring:  Richard Gere, Diane Lane, Gregory Hines

This movie was a pleasant surprise for me!
 I almost did not watch it because there are so many films with similar names of this time period that are not good. This movie pulled off Italian and Irish mob stories and at the same time shows us the entertainment community. It is not a musical, but contains many excellent performances by singers, dancers and musicians. Richard Gere is a musician and entertains us with coronet numbers and Gregory Hines performs tap dance numbers. Gets 4 stars from me! Give it a watch!

The Cotton Club was a famous night club in Harlem. The story follows the people that visited the club, those that ran it, and is peppered with the Jazz music that made it so famous.

 

 For further study and reviews:

IMDB                           http://www.imdb.com

CRITERION               http://www.criterion.com

AMC                            http://www.filmsite.org 

 ROGER EBERT        http://www.rogerebert.com

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Martial Art Movies

In this blog, I will share with you a few of my favorite martial artists and movies that are filmed in a way to clearly view them as they demonstrate their martial art skills.  

JET LI'S STORY:  He was born in Beijing, China April 26, 1963.  Li was eight years old when his talent for Wushu was noticed as he practiced at a school summer course. He then attended a non-sparring wushu event which led to joining the Beijing Wushu Team which did a martial art display at all the games. 

 

Renowned coaches Li Jung-fend and Wu Bin made an extra effort to help him develop his skills. Wu Bin even bought groceries for his family as they could not afford to buy meat and he felt it was needed to develop Jet Li's skills. He won his first gold medal at the Wushu Championships at the age of 12. Jet Li said, "My winning caused quite a sensation because I was so young. I was 12 years old and the other two medalists were in their mid to late twenties. I had to stand on top the podium to be seen during the ceremony and I was still shorter than the other contestants."

 

As a result of winning his first championship, he traveled to 45 countries and visited the President of the U.S. Richard M Nixon who asked him to be his bodyguard. Li replied,  "I don't want to protect any individual.  When I grow up I want to defend my one billion Chinese countrymen."

FILMS OF JET LI:

Jet Li starred in his first movie when he was 20 years old. "Shaolin Temple" (1979) which started the 1980's kung-fu boom in mainland China. He relocated to Hong Kong, where he was the biggest star of the early 1990's kung fu boom.

In 2001, Li co-starred with Bridget Fonda in "Kiss of the Dragon" directed by Luc Besson. A critic for the New York Times wrote, "His action sequences are like an oil fire, spilling from one room into the next and lighting the interiors with heat and wreckage.  Mr. Li and his choreographer, Corey Yuen, have a set a new standard for action here." 

Chinese Director Jing Wong worked with Jet on 4 films: (1993) Last Hero in China, (1993) Kung Fu Cult Master, (1994) The New Legend of Shaolin and (1995) High Risk.  

 

Jet Li worked with Chinese Director Tsui Hark on 5 films. (1989) Once Upon a Time China, Once Upon a Time in China 2, Once Upon a Time in China 3 and Black Mask (1996.) 

 

He played both an attempted assassin of the First Emperor of China (Hero 2002) and the First Emperor of China (The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor) (2008) A few more of his films are: "Romeo Must Die"(2000) and "Lethal Weapon 4"(1998) This was his first American film and was very successful for him. To see a list of his films go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jet_Li#Filmography

 

 JET LI'S skills: He trained in wushu for 28 years and picked up much from the thousands of martial art styles he has encountered. Li knows several styles of Wushu. Competing against much older martial artists, he won 15 gold medals and 1 silver medal in the Chinese Wushu Championships. Jet Li's handprint and autograph are on the Avenue of Stars in Hong Kong.

Note:  See videos and learn more about many martial art subjects including self-defense at Jet Li's website!

http://www.jetli.com 

 

 JACKIE CHAN

Jackie Chan has "paid his dues." He endured many years of hard work and multiple injuries to establish himself in martial arts cinema especially in his early beginning in Hong Kong. He was born April 7, 1954 in Hong Kong.

 

When he was 7 years old,  his father took a job in Australia and enrolled Jackie in the China Drama Academy so he could learn some skills. Jackie spent the next 10 years there rarely seeing his parents learning acrobatics, martial arts, singing and acting.

Read more of Jackie Chan's biography at his website: http://jackiechan.com

 

He has been in over 150 films and he has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He knows many fighting styles but his main style is king fu. Kung Fu is the most ancient self-defense style and it comes from China. Jackie also has a good voice and he sometimes sings the theme songs to his movies; but has not taken the time to establish a singing career. 

These days Jackie would like to show people his other side and be a dramatic actor. "The Foreigner" is a recent film where he got to play a dramatic role. He says, "I have to speak English from my heart and let the tears go down and it's so difficult." He is happy with his performance as it was recognized and has set his sights on more dramatic roles.  "I want to change people’s thoughts," he says. "I am not an action star or action-comedy star anymore, I am an actor. I can do so many things, just like Robert De Niro. I am waiting for the next drama film, so Hollywood—please hire me!"

To read the list of Jackie Chan's films go to his website filmography   http://www.jackiechan.com/filmography.htm

 

BRUCE LEE

He is noted for his roles in five feature-length films; "The Big Boss (1971); "Fist of Fury" (1972); "Way of the Dragon" (1972) directed and written by Lee; "Enter the Dragon (1973); and "The Game of Death" (1978.)

 

 Lee became an iconic figure known throughout the world, particularly among the Chinese. He is credited with helping the way Asians were presented in American Films. He trained in the art of Wing Chun and later combined his other martial art influences to his style. He dubbed his style Jeet Kune Do which was a mix of kwon do and wing chun.

Born Nov. 27, 1940 Chinatown, San Francisco, CA

Died July 23, 1973 Kowloon, Hong Kong 

 

DONNIE YEN. . .   

was born July 27, 1963 in Guangzhou, China. His family moved to Hong Kong when he was two and then when he was 11 moved to Boston, Mass.  His mother was a kung fu master, named Bow-sim Mark and his father was a newspaper editor and musician. He reached a high level of proficiency as a pianist. His later studies as a director reveal the smooth movements like music in his choreography.

 

A

 

His training began very early, as soon as he could walk by his mother.  He began learning Tai chi and Wushu. Donnie is a multiple time World Washu Tournament champion. Just like Jet Li, he trained with the Beijing Wushu team winning several gold medals.

Donnie Yen knows a variety of martial arts:

Tai-Chi; Chuan, Boxing, Kickboxing, Jeet Kune Do, Hapkido, Taekwondo, Karate, Muay Thai, Hung Ga, Wrestling, Brazilian Jin-Jitsu, Judo, Wing Chun

 

His fighting style has been filmed in a full-body style where you can see his moves in these three famous films - (2010) IP Man I, (2015) IP Man II, (2016) IP Man III 

  Yip Man and photo of Bruce Lee training with his teacher Yip Man

 

IP Man I    Director: Wilson Yep, Starring Donnie Yen, Martial Arts Choreography: Sammo Hung 

 

IP Man I is based on the life of Bruce Lee's teacher, called Yip Man or IP man (October 1 1893 - December 2, 1972),a grandmaster of Wing Chun and the first to teach it. He had several students who later became martial arts masters. Bruce Lee was one of his most famous students. Above is a photo of Bruce Lee training with him. The film idea originated with other film makers, but the project was dropped so Raymond Wong decided to make IP Man.

 

With full consent from IP's sons, with IP's eldest son being serving as a consultant on the production and appearing in the film, the crew began filming in Shanghai where they recreated the city of Fushon set in the late 1930's and early 1940's. It was filmed in Hong Kong in the Cantonese language. Donnie Yen plays the part of Yip Man.

 

  MY REVIEW: This film gets two thumbs up!  I was immediately impressed with the unique set designs and the original style of filming. Not like any other Asian film I had ever seen. The beauty of timeless simplicity - just enough of everything - but not too much. The set design is filled with plants, antique furniture, and home-like touches such as dining with the guests and conversations with the locals. On top of this, when the film gets rolling, we can clearly see the moves in the fight scenes. 

 

IP Man I and IP Man II follow suit for the same great viewing as the grandmaster takes his martial arts to other regions and interacts with his students. There is a fight scene in IP Man II where Sammo Hung and Donnie Yen fight on top of a loose table top that is original and breathtaking! It happens early in the film so you don't have to wait for it. Check it out!

Note:  There is an IP Man III and now an IP Man IV which are streaming on Netflix   The same director did all of them. I have seen all but the #4 and they were great quality and spirit!

Donnie Yen has starred in many films includin Kung Fu Killer (2014) (2017) Rogue One, Chasing the Dragon (2017) and (2016) Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.  

Too see more of Donnie's films go to this link:

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donnie_Yen#Filmography 

 CONCLUSION:  This article could go on and on as I am very interested in martial arts. But for now, I will close and hope I have given you some inspiration and great martial art films to enjoy!

 

Thank you for visiting! Nelda

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You might also be interested in these other articles:

Hong Kong Cinema  http://earthoceanfire.blogspot.com/2017/06/cinema-of-hong-kong.html

The Golden Age of Japanese Cinema http://earthoceanfire.blogspot.com/2017/06/the-golden-age-of-japanese-cinema.html

Japanese Anime  http://earthoceanfire.blogspot.com/2017/05/japanese-anime.html

For more study go to these links:

IMBD http://www.imdb.com 

Criterion  http://www.criterion.com 

You Tube  http://www.youtube.com

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