Gangs Of New York (2002).
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz.
Director: Martin Scorsese.
Gangs of New York may achieve greatness with the passage of time. Mixed reviews were inevitable for a production this grand (and this troubled behind the scenes), but it's as distinguished as any of director Martin Scorsese's more celebrated New York stories. From its astonishing 1846 prologue to the city's infernal draft riots of 1863, the film aspires to erase the decorum of textbooks and chronicle 19th-century New York as a cauldron of street warfare. The hostility is embodied in a tale of primal vengeance between Irish American son Amsterdam Vallon (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his father's ruthless killer and "Nativist" gang leader Bill "the Butcher" Cutting (Daniel Day-Lewis, brutally inspired), so named for his lethal talent with knives. 
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Circle of Friends
(1994) Much-acclaimed, widely appealing, intelligent romantic drama about
relationship between "ugly duckling" and medical student in 1950s-era Ireland. Fans
of heartwarming, small-scale, character-driven love stories enjoy this, due to the
vivid, realistic performances. Starring Chris O'Donnell, Minnie Driver
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The Crying Game (1992) "The most successful film in recent years to deal with the IRA and Northern
Ireland must be Neil Jordan's The Crying Game, for which he won an Oscar for best screenplay. This comparatively low-budget film and quirky drama sees
Stephen Rea playing an IRA gunman who takes part in the kidnapping of a
British soldier, played by Forrest Whitaker. Miranda Richardson is excellent
as the mad, gun-toting Irish moll and newcomer Jaye Davidson plays the love
interest and catalyst of the film's plot, which drew the masses through word
of mouth. In true Jordan fashion, the film is provocative, humorous and
shocking, and shows the IRA in a violent and, at the same time, sensitive
light." - John Buckley, O'Connell Street. |
The Devil's Own
(1997)Moody political thriller/psychological drama traces relationship
between undercover I.R.A. member, noble-minded N.Y.C. cop. Though mainstream
action/drama lovers will enjoy the stars' performances, the simplistic storyline will
disappoint serious genre fans.Starring Harrison Ford, Brad Pitt.
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My Left Foot (1989) Inspirational, acclaimed biopic about Irish poet's fight against
cerebral palsy. With its ferocious performances, unflinching style, this thrills fans of
serious drama, those seeking uplifting portrait of human spirit's resilience. Starring Daniel Day Lewis, Brenda Fricker.
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The General
Starring: Brendan Gleeson, Adrian Dunbar, et al.
Director: John Boorman
The General begins with the death of Martin Cahill--celebrated Dublin gangster who stole millions during the 1980s--then literally reverses the approach and assault of his IRA assassin, flashing back in time, back through Cahill's colorful, criminal quest for his kind of ideal community.
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The Boxer (1997).
The story focuses on Danny Flynn, a promising boxer who had been imprisoned at age 18 for associating with IRA terrorists. After serving a 14-year sentence, he returns to his Belfast neighborhood at a time when local IRA leader Joe Hamill (Brian Cox) is attempting to negotiate a peace treaty with the British. Despite having no further interest in IRA rivalries, Danny finds himself at the center of political and emotional turmoil when he is reunited with his former girlfriend Maggie who, in Danny's absence, married another IRA man who is now in prison.
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In the Name of the Father
(1993) Starring Daniel Day Lewis, John Lynch.Gerry Conlon's account of his fifteen years in prison, having been falsely convicted, along with three others as one of the Guilford pub bombers in 1974. The film follows Conlon (Lewis) from Belfast to London in 1974 where along with three others, he finds himself accused of on circumstantial evidence of IRA membership and of carrying out the Guilford pub bombings.
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Michael Collins
(1996) Starring Liam Neeson, Aiden Quinn. Sweeping epic about Irish revolutionary's attempts to broker peace with British. With its graphic, tense terrorist sequences, this pleases fans of
action-oriented historical drama who aren't seeking nuanced psychological studies.
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Some Mother's Son
(1996) Starring Helen Mirren, Fionnula Flanagan. Based-on-facts melodrama about personal impact of hunger strike
on mothers of imprisoned IRA members. Critics lauded Mirren's performance.
Appreciated by fans of topical docudramas, those following troubles in Northern
Ireland.
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This is My Father
(1999) Starring: Aidan Quinn, Moya Farrelly
Director: Paul Quinn. A man's search for his father reveals story of parents' forbidden affair in rural 1930s Ireland. Captivates fans of character-driven, sentimental drama with vivid performances by all-star cast, poignant story, richly evocative visuals.
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Dancing at Lughnasa (1998)
Starring: Meryl Streep, Michael Gambon. Director: Pat O'Connor.
Ensemble drama about five sisters in 1930s Ireland facing economic and emotional change. Somewhat stagy adaptation of the hit play should thrill Streep lovers, fans of intimate, character-driven dramas.
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Cal
(1984) Small, bittersweet coming-of-age political/romantic thriller about an IRA soldier who falls for older woman from the "other side." Very enjoyable for fans of intelligent dramas seeking thought-provoking, character-driven fare. Starring Helen Mirren, John Lynch.
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Lamb
(1985) The wavering faith of a priest in Ireland is tested by the harsh
treatment of a child in a reform school. He renounces his vows and takes custody of
the boy. Starring Liam Neeson, Hugh O'Conor.
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 The Secret of Roan Inish (1995)
Starring: Jeni Courtney, Mick Lally. Director: John Sayles.
Gentle, charming tale of a girl who is sent to live with her grandparents on the west coast of Ireland and discovers the myths and magic that have affected her family. A ``small'' story to be sure, but it gradually works its spell on you, with an admirably unsentimental tone (perfectly embodied in solemn young Courtney), moody cinematography from Haskell Wexler, and remarkable ``performances'' from the seals and gulls that populate the film.
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The Run of the Country
(1994) Starring Albert Finney, Matt Keeslar. Unable to step into the role his father has created for him, a young
man runs away from home after his mother dies. He lives for a time on the farm of
an Irish troublemaker and falls in love with the daughter of a wealthy family.
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The Field
(1990) An Irishman struggles to keep his plot of land out of the hands of an enterprising American. Starring Richard Harris, Tom Berenger.
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Hidden Agenda
(1990) Policeman and female human rights investigator probe police
cover-up in Belfast. Irish political drama fans will appreciate exploration of "the
troubles," and mystery/suspense fans will enjoy the tense thrills. Starring Frances McDormand, Brian Cox
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