How many of us feed our habit by watching films/shows set in Ireland?

Green Dragon · Guru

How many of us feed our habit by watching films/shows set in Ireland?

Andi · Senior Member

As a film fanatic, I've seen quite a few films about Ireland. I even make lists for friends, so a couple of these have synopses I've written. Here are some of the best (IMHO).

Secret of Roan Inish (1993): Directed by John Sayles. This is a fairy story with a dark side. A small Irish girl is drawn to the island of Roan Inish and its secrets. The haunting plot revolves around a half human/ half sea creature called a silkie. When she is captured by a fisherman, he falls in love with her and hides her seal skin so she can never return to the sea. The island environment is beautifully depicted. PG

The Magdalene Sisters (2002): In 1960’s Ireland, being a woman accused of “looseness” could mean a fate almost worse than death. Based on real characters (who are interviewed either at the end of the movie or in a special feature, I forget), these young women are sent to a special institution for fallen women, where they are forced into hard labor as laundresses, under the thumb of priests and nuns. And guess what, the clergy are not all virtuous and kindhearted. Merely being too flirtatious was considered by some families reason enough to send their daughters to the Catholic-run laundry. These institutions apparently existed in Ireland well into the 1990’s! R

Bloody Sunday (2002) R This docudrama is a reenactment of the 1972 riot in Derry, Northern Ireland, from which ensued the “troubles” of the ‘70’s. Unarmed demonstrators were shot by British police. The movie follows the action, focusing on one young demonstrator who ends up dead. It’s very authentic, and many of the participants are those who were involved in the actual event. British police officers are used instead of actors, and the making of movie was meant to be quite a healing and cathartic experience for those involved.

The Commitments (urban drama)

Waking Ned Devine (rural comedy)

The Field (a grim story about poverty in the West)

Michael Collins (historical-Irish independence fight)

The Dead (based very closely on James Joyce's story of the same name

Don't get me started on British television and movies--I could name hundreds!

Dude · Guru

"In the Name of the Father" filmed in Kilmainham Gaol.

Mark D · Senior Member

I was able to feed my fix this week by attending a Saw Doctors show only 2 miles from my house !!!

Just the lyrics made me want to come home and book a trip !

Cheers !
Mark D.

Green Dragon · Guru

Roan Inish reminded me of one I rented last month... "The Seventh Stream", also about Selkies :)

oopsy · Senior Member

Andi--I love The Secret of Roan Inish.

In case anyone is looking for more movies filmed in or about Ireland, a couple of site to look at:

http://www.lisashea.com/irish/irish_movies.html

http://www.ncf.carleton.ca/~bj333/movies.html

Happy viewing!

Dude · Guru

"The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne"
"Out of the West"
"Some Mother's Son"
"Agnes Browne" (hysterically funny)
"Barry Lyndon"
"My Left Foot"
"The Boxer"
"Dancing at Lughnasa"
"Circle of Friends"
"The Informer"
And there 's one movie set partly in Ireland that I thought was an atrocious movie, but parts of it were filmed here where I live (the special paint job on one builidng is still there) so I have to mention "Frankie Starlight."

-- Edited by Dude at 23:33, 2006-03-08

Michele Erdvig · Host

It is a tradition that my husband and I watch The Quiet Man every St. Patrick's Day. Sure it's hokey but what a fun and lovely movie. Also, I have been to all the places in the movie so it is very nostalgic. Kick back with a Guinness or Smithwick's and be transported back in time.

I like Ryan's Daughter for the scenery. Even if I watch it on "Mute" it is worth seeing.

There are so many others. I had a list of a lot of movies on the other forum. I must do a search to see if I can find it.

Michele

P.S. I love Father Ted!

-- Edited by Michele Erdvig at 01:51, 2006-03-09

Melissa5 · Guru

Green Dragon, yes, I like to get in the mood (plus educating myself) by making my family endure Irish movies when I can rent them. Also you can rent DVDs of some of the Chieftains concerts! I liked them so much I bought 2 of them to own.

I use the word "endure" because even though they are good movies, my family feels like they are "indulging" my excesses!

Hubby is so cute. He bought me an Irish bumper sticker to surprise me...I didn't even ask for it.

GARYVOL · Veteran Member

My wife Mary and I were (still are) dedicated Ballykissangel fans before and after our Ireland trip. Part of our visit was to Avoca. Just walking the main street and bridge was cool, visiting the church, stepping into Hendley's, buying some things at the gift shop and finishing up at Fitzgerald's pub. (Although it's not the real one in the show). I even have a picture of Mary sitting on the bench infront of the pub.

We check the Sat. listing to see if it will be on. (I know, it's on DVD for sale). As we watch we always remember being their.

As sad note I just read however, is that Tony Doyle (played the always wheeler/dealer Brian Quigley) has suddenly died. Always enjoyed his character in the show.

-gary

Mark · Veteran Member

Green Dragon,

I'm feeding my habit tonight by watching The Quiet Man (a must for me on this day) and then The Field (I love this movie. It's grim but it really gives you a feel for how Connemara must have been.)

Happy St. Patricks Day all!

Mark

wojazz3 · Guru

In some markets on PBS you can find "Out of Ireland" which come on every Wednesday at 11:00pm in the Denver area. Here is their website with the areas that it now broadcasts:

http://www.outofirelandtv.com/site/page13.cfm

It's a weekly broadcast with RTE news and then usually a special feature on something. Pretty interesting stuff and it brings you right back to Ireland. Also, if you want to see a re-broadcast of the St. Patrick's Day parade in Dublin.

http://www.ireland.com/events/st.patricks/live/

Bill

Green Dragon · Guru

Yes, I do try to catch Out of Ireland. I also get Tartan TV (a Scottish version) on my local PBS :)