Ryan McNeil
This time last year, in honour of Saint Patrick’s Day, I posted an Irish Top Five.
Given that I’m still suffering from a sliver of blogger’s block, and still trying to reload on new material, I hope you don’t mind that I’m digging into the vaults for today’s post. So on the eve of the finest of holidays, please come back one year with me and take a look at My Top Five Irish Films.
Looking back at your list and then my list made me want to go home right now and throw on ONCE, THE COMMITMENTS and IN AMERICA.
Thank Patrick! that the missus is letting me drink tomorrow, in spite of our baby-making attempts.
By-the-by, what are you and Lady Hatter up to?
You've been such a busy bee, Hatter, so enjoy your much-deserved break! Besides, that'll give me time to catch up on your awesome posts! I've got a serious case of blogger's blog just a couple of days ago, so I might be doing a similar thing and reach back into my 'vault' for a relevant post.
I haven't seen any of your Top 5 Irish movies, but to celebrate St. Patty's Day, I am going to post one that's not necessarily about Ireland but it's set there. I'm curious about THE WIND THAT SHAKES THE BARLEY as I like Cillian, oh and for the life of me I don't know why I haven't seen ONCE!
Wouldn't it be cool if some of the indie theatres in town programmed these flicks for St. Pat's?
Lady Hatter and I didn't actually have any plans quite honestly…I was just gonna go to the bar next door for a quiet pint and bowl of stew on my lunch hour.
@ RTM… Thanks for the support! If you are looking to catch up on what I've been doing, I vote that you start with my ALICE podcast with Danger Girl. It was quite a hoot and I'd love to know what ya thought…especially since the next episode is gonna drop next Monday.
As for blogger's block…I always vote to take some time and do a bit more reading. Tends to get the ideas rolling.
I'm a sucker for "I Went Down". And my girlfriend I have a recurring disagreement over whether "In Bruges" counts as an Irish film, given the director and the two leads. If you accept her logic, I don't think you can dispute it as one of the best.
Oh, and I'm fond of "The General", just as an example of what could be done in Ireland. No idea why Jon Voight is in it (as a Garda), but still.
Excellent choices. I think everyone should see Intermission, it is just soo funny. I especially love the line: If you'll now excuse me, I have to change my colostomy bag. Pricelss.
In the Name of the Father is such a great film. Daniel Day-Lewis (as always) plays the role perfectly. Emma Thompson also plays the lawyer role pretty well. I think I might have to put it back on my Netflix queue again, it's been a while since I see it. For the rest of your choices, I haven't seen them 🙁
@ Darren… By that rationale, I should consider JUNO a Canadian film – but most people don't. Thus the best film to include that much Irish talent, is decidedly not Irish.
Pity though – woulda made my list easily!
@ Mike… INTERMISSION always gives me TIFF flashbacks, since that was where I took it in the first time. Ah, memories…
@ Drehar… It's sad that the concept of suspected terrorists being held without charge is still so very timely. maybe one day things will change. I agree though – I'm long overdue for another watching!