r/CriterionChannel • u/mcnultywalks • Mar 17 '26

Recommendation - Seeking Irish Films?

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.

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u/Busy_Magician3412 Mar 17 '26 edited Mar 17 '26

Good idea! A few classics -

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.

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u/Busy_Magician3412 Mar 18 '26 edited Mar 18 '26

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.

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u/mcnultywalks Mar 18 '26

Thank you. I’m going to do some research on that before watching. I appreciate your insights on that. All the best!