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 One The Video Library
What is the top Irish movie of all time?
That is what Jameson whiskey in conjunction with 'The Dubliner' magazine asked 10,000 people in a July 2005 poll. Here are the top ten, in order (and a couple more). Click Next for more Movies.
A headstrong, fast-talking, ambitious young Dubliner fancies himself a promoter of talent and sets about assembling and packaging a local Irish R&B band. His group of self-absorbed, backbiting, but stunningly talented individuals begin to succeed beyond his wildest dreams, until petty jealousies and recrimination threaten to scuttle the whole deal. That part of the review is from Amazon. For our part, we love this movie! The music is terrific, the cast of unknown actors is great, and, overall, it's pure entertainment from beginning to end.
Click here for The Commitments
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#2
My Left Foot
Daniel Day-Lewis won a much-deserved Oscar for his wily, passionate performance as Irish artist and writer Christy Brown, whose cerebral palsy kept him confined to a wheelchair. Day-Lewis is inspired, and Brenda Fricker is almost luminous as Christy's dedicated mother. So, too, are Ray McAnally as the hero's stormy father, and Hugh O'Conor as the child Christy. All in all, this is a complete pleasure for viewers. Edited and adapted from a review by Tom Keogh
Click here for My Left Foot.
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In the Name of the Father is based on a true story and is at times grueling and never less than compelling, with a complex performance by Day-Lewis and a strong one by Emma Thompson as the lawyer who finally cracks through the British obstructions to the truth. Marshall Fine
Click here for Name of the Father
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Yes, this film has almost become a cliche but if you haven't seen it, it is well worth the $13.99 investment. As one reviewer puts it: "...it's no surprise The Quiet Man won an Oscar for cinematography. It also won an Oscar for John Ford's direction, his fourth such award. The film was a deeply personal project for Ford (whose birth name was Sean Aloysius O'Fearna), and he lavished all of his affection for the Irish landscape and Irish people on this film." We couldn't agree more.
Click here for The Quiet Man
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The Snapper may be the funniest film ever made about an unexpected pregnancy. In adapting the second novel of his popular Barrytown Trilogy, Irish author Roddy Doyle brilliantly captures the hilarious dynamics of a working-class family, the virulent gossip of their nosy Dublin neighbors, and the mixed emotions of a young woman on the verge of single motherhood. The film was directed for British television by Stephen Frears, but its flawless blend of comedy and drama made it worthy of a theatrical release, landing it on many critics' top 10 lists for 1993. Amazon review.
Click here for The Snapper.
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In honor of the recent anniversary of his assassination, we bring to your attention a movie that has been applauded for its accuracy and attention to detail. As one reviewer puts it: "This is a downright good film about a brave and passionate Irishman who loves his country and independence and will fight for them until death."
Click here for Michael Collins
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A hard-hitting drama about one man's obsession with a plot of land that his family has tended for generations. What makes the film worthwhile is the Oscar-nominated performance by Richard Harris as "Bull" McCabe, the fiercely stubborn man who's nurtured a prime field of rented land for decades, only to lose it when the owner auctions the land to an unwelcome American (Tom Berenger). Rather than sacrifice his life's work to this brazen invader, McCabe wages a personal war with powerfully tragic results. Amazon review
Click here for The Field.
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The rough-edged vitality of contemporary Irish filmmaking is readily apparent in this black comedy in which 54 characters and 11 plotlines compete for consistently impressive screen-time. Jumping from one plot to another, the characters are tangled in an infectious series of intersecting events, shifting from scenes of brutal violence, poignant compassion, and richly dark humor, and somehow managing to make it all fit together in a miraculously coherent tapestry of romance, crime, and authentic Dublin atmosphere.
Click here for Intermission.
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This was definitely one of the best films I've seen in 2003. Cate Blanchett was amazing, and the story was incredibly compelling. I give it four stars instead of five because I always prefer surprise endings - here you know what happens at the end...Great movie, though! (amazon review)
Ireland's top-grossing film of 2003.
Click here for Veronica Guerin.
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On meeting Michael, Rory decides that they must change their lives and so concocts a plan to beat the system. Escaping Carrigmore Home for the Disabled, the duo hire Siobhan to take care of their every need. Her arrival, however, brings with it emotions that Rory and Michael have never experienced. James McAvoy captures the zest for life and extreme frustration. The film gives a great insight into disability and is accurately portrayed. It does not go for the sympathy vote, but shows two steely individuals fighting for their rights.
Click here for Inside I'm Dancing.
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I loved this film for many reasons, not the least being that I have experienced Lisdoonvarna, County Clare (a real Irish town) during their annual September Matchmaking Festival! It's visually lovely, and reminded me of not only of days walking the greenroads of Clare, but of nights out with my mates in the pubs while I was there as an exchange student. My opinion of this film can be summed up in one word - BRILLIANT! Amazon review
Click here for The Matchmaker.
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An Irish Holiday
As one reviewer said, this video gem is "like a warm blanket on a cold night." The presentation switches between some of the most traditional and regional Irish holiday songs, and scenes from a dinner where guests relate favorite Christmas memories.
Click here for Irish Holiday.
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One
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Fri, Feb 17, 2006
Irish God and Goddess of love
Oengus is the Irish God of love, beauty and youth. According to the old folklore, his kisses became birds. It is also said that he dreamed of a beautiful maiden named Caer, for whom he searched all over Ireland. Eventually, he found her chained to 150 other maidens, destined to become swans at the time of Samhain. Legend has it that Oengus transformed himself into a swan and was united with his love.
Aine of Knockaine is the Irish Goddess of love. She is also known as the Fairy Queen of Munster and as a goddess of fertility beause she has control and command over crops and animals, especially cattle. Another name by which she is known is Aillen. To learn more about Irish mythology, please click Irish Myths & Legends.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Click for More Culture Corner.
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 Can't Find it?!
Our Library is compiled from what we know and like. If you can't find what you're looking for read on.
• First: go to Amazon -
There's no escaping the fact that they are the largest catalog.
Note: There are multiple Amazons and they do not carry exactly the same items. Any one of the U.S., U.K. and Canada sites may not have the item but another Amazon will. Each site will ship anywhere in the world. Try them all before you give up.
Click here for Amazon.US.
Click here for Amazon.UK.
Click here for Amazon.Canada.
• Second: Amazon doesn't have it? Alright, try ALibris they are the place for 'books you never thought you'd find'. They now carry videos. The prices vary, since they are offered from various sources.
Click here for ALibris.
• Last: Nothing Worked?
E-Mail us, we'll give it a go. Click for Russ & Bridget.
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