The Luck of the Irish on the Silver Screen
Ten ideas for celebrating St. Patrick's Day on DVD.
Mar 14, 2009
As the first hints of spring pop out, holiday-minded folks turn their attention to the annual St. Patrick's Day festivities. But if massive crowds of drunken revelers puking in the streets seems less than celebratory, there are better ways to celebrate the luck of the Irish. Sitting at home and enjoying a fitting DVD after your corned beef and cabbage supper might be just the thing this St. Patrick's Day.
There are a lot of great films that deal with the Irish diaspora – some dealing with authentic experience, some with the more fanciful aspect of Ireland. What follows is a collection of ten choices that pair the Irish with the cinema.
Gangs of New York (2002)
Martin Scorsese's lushly-photographed period piece is a great choice if you are interested in American history and the immigrant experience. Daniel Day-Lewis is at times over-the-top in his portrayal of the sinister Dutch-American New York ganglord, but the film still captures a fascinating period, rife with gang warfare, anti-immigrant/ anti-Irish violence, and a rich cinematographic palette that evokes the 1860s era in which it is set.
Ryan's Daughter (1970)
In a more romantic turn, there is this early 70s classic tale of a World War I love affair with a dash of espionage thrown in. This is a less discussed but excellent example of the cinema of David Lean.
In America (2002)
A more current look a the Irish immigrant's experience in the U.S., Jim Sheridan's In America follows a young Irish couple as they cope with poverty, the devastating loss of a child, and the struggles to make a life for themselves and their family in a foreign land. The film stars the very talented Paddy Considine as the father and Samantha Morton as his quietly suffering spouse.
Leprechaun (1993)
If you're more interested in the magical element of Irish lore, you may be interested in this little horror movie gem, starring Jennifer Aniston and featuring the horrific attempts of a wronged leprechaun to find his pot of gold. Less a cinematic masterpiece than an amusing take on Irish fantasy, Leprechaun does feature some scary parts not meant for the very young or very squeamish, though.
The Brothers McMullen (1995)
A light-hearted look at second generation Irish-Americans, Ed Burns' breakout indie hit The Brothers McMullen is funny, honest, and decidedly un-Hollywood in its approach. Although Burns soon after jumped ship and joined the Hollywood elite, his first effort was an important one for independent film history.
My Left Foot (1989)
This Academy-Award-winning film stars Daniel Day-Lewis as Christy Brown, an Irish quadriplegic writer who can only use his left foot to write. This is the film that really brought Day-Lewis into the limelight and is a must-see if you are interested in an uplifting, well-made human drama. Based on a true story.
Once (2006)
This sleeper hit is among the best of this list. It follows two musicians busking on the streets of Dublin* and falling for each other in a platonic, yet deeply meaningful way. Shot in a neorealist style, the performances of Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglova are quiet, and yet rich and moving in a way you only get from unknown performers.
If I Should Fall from Grace: The Shane MacGowan Story (2001)
If its a documentary you seek, take a look at this portrait of Shane MacGowan, formerly of The Pogues. Fans of The Pogues and of his more recent band, The Popes, will especially love the live footage included.
The Commitments (1991)
This film celebrates the musicality of the Irish by focusing on a Dublin R&B band striving to make it in the big leagues. Their rise to fame is fraught with various personal demons. Directed by Alan Parker.
The Secret of Roan Inish (1994)
For a family film about Ireland, there is no better choice than John Sayles' The Secret of Roan Inish. The film stars Jeni Courtney as Fiona, a young girl who struggles to find out the truth about her mysterious family link to the seals at sea. It is a beautiful film with an intriguing storyline and gorgeous cinematography that will connect you to the magic of Irish lore.
