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
ROGER EBERT http://www.rogerebert.com
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"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.
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!
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
ROGER EBERT http://www.rogerebert.com
Please sign up with your e-mail and we will keep you posted on the latest blogs, coupons and movie news. Click here to sign up http://www.earthoceanfirejewelry.com
