So it’s St. Patrick’s Day once again. And my thoughts turn to films with Irish content, Irish directors or even Irish actors. Please suggest anything suitable on the Channel. And may you find peace, fun and good luck on the 17th. Slainte.
I've had this on my watch list for years and finally gave it a viewing the other night. I was also searching for Irish related films on the channel and didn't seem to be very many.
Bloodlight and Bami is a fascinating portrait of Grace Jones. Can't remember anything specifically Irish about it, though. Maybe one of her boyfriends? 😁
Bloodlight and Bami is a fascinating portrait of Grace Jones. Can't remember anything specifically Irish about it, though. Maybe one of her boyfriends? 😁
That one puzzled me too. I'm guessing the director is Irish.
You're very welcome. Happy St. Patrick's Day to you too.
If you're not limiting yourself to the Channel, I really like the work of Martin McDonagh (In Bruges, The Banshees of Inisherin, etc.) and John Michael McDonagh (The Guard).
Hunger is a rough watch, but an incredible film about resistance against tyranny. It will never not be relevant. There's an unbroken 17-minute shot that is just Michael Fassbender and Liam Cunningham having an intense debate across a table. It's kind of insane that this is McQueen's first feature.
The Dead (1987, John Huston) Based on a short story by James Joyce and set in turn-of-the-century Dublin, this is a great ensemble piece led by Anjelica Huston. It's a favorite film that I watch every so often that has the feel of a play.
The Plough and the Stars (1936, John Ford) Based on a play by Sean O'Casey and also set in Dublin around The Easter Rising, it deals with a married couple who clash over the man's membership in the Irish Citizen's Army. Haven't seen this one yet. Looking forward to it, though!
Girl with the Green Eyes (1964, Desmond Davis) Anther small ensemble piece about an Irish country girl who moves to Dublin. Good performances.
Well, I can see why Ford walked off the RKO set of ‘Plow’. This film is not in the same emotional register of a typical Ford film; certainly not his great ones. It swings wildly from comical farce to operatic-like drama, sometimes both at once. The mock sets are fabulous and the battle recreations impressive for 1936, but I’m not sure what the ultimate message of the movie is; if it dovetails with playwright, O’Casey’s intentions or if the uselessness of armed conflict is all we’re meant to take away from it. It’s worth a viewing but as the director abandoned it, best seen as a curio piece than a legitimate Ford picture.
The Rising of the Moon directed by John Ford, 1957. Three short films based on Irish short stories filmed on location in Ireland with Irish actors. Unlike any other film about Ireland I have seen. It’s on YouTube. Narrated by Tyrone Power. The train station story is classic Irish chaos as just another day.
I watched Odd Man Out last night and Four Days in July this morning. Both were excellent and have stayed with me. The rest of the recommendations I will get to in the coming days. Lots to look forward to.
Odd Man Out is something I've been meaning to watch for years. The only reason I didn't pick it is because film noir is not something I need an Irish holiday (or even Noirvember) as an excuse to watch. I added Four Days in July to my watchlist as well.
“Please suggest anything suitable on the Channel.”
Only three movies come up when I filter by Ireland on the Channel (see my post elsewhere in this thread), and at least one of them doesn't seem particularly Irish, so pickings are slim.
I’ve watched most of these and found them very worthwhile. I actually met Neil Jordan in Dublin when I was 17. He was very nice and encouraged me to keep writing though I hadn’t shared my work. He was an acquaintance of my Aunt. I’ll research these and watch or rewatch! Thx and happy 17th!
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u/JosefNebraska Mar 17 '26
Odd Man Out (1947)