With new Irish film Life’s A Breeze getting a release in Irish cinemas on the 19th of July, we began to think about the great Irish films that have been released over the years. We are a nation of storytellers, a tradition that has been handed down for centuries so it was only a natural progression for us to make a move on to the big screen, and what a move that has been over the years. We have won Oscars, told amazing stories and made quite the impact both nationally and internationally. Here are nine of our finest Irish movies.
1. Ryan’s Daughter
Still listed on most of the greatest film lists of all time and not just on Irish film lists, Ryan’s Daughter is set in Ireland just after the 1916 Rising in a small Irish village. An Irishwoman begins an affair with a British soldier, despite the fact that she is married to the local school teacher. The woman is cast out by the society she lives in but her betrayal is thought to be on a much greater level. Beautiful to watch with amazing talent involved, Ryan’s Daughter is one of the Irish greats.
2. Once
Who thought that the lead singer of the Frames would somehow earn himself an Oscar through a touching sweet piece of cinema? And yet, Glen Hansard proved he was quite the talent when Once took off both at home and in the States. A sweet innocent tale of a boy and a girl who randomly meet on Grafton Street and their subsequent relationship, Once captured the hearts of many.
3. In the Name of the Father
It’s almost impossible to watch In the Name of the Father and not feel some sort of anger, regardless of your nationality or background. Based on the true story of Gerry Conlon who was wrongfully accused of an IRA bombing, the film revolves around his time in prison and the beginnings of the appeal for his release. What a soundtrack!
4. Into the West
A horse mysteriously appears one day on the halting site where Ossie and Tito live. Since there is nowhere for the animal to live, the pair move the horse into their grandfather’s house but he is taken from them. When they go to find the stallion, they find themselves on the run, into the west. Perhaps one of the most underrated Irish films, Into the West is a firm favourite.
5. In Bruges
Ray and Ken go on the run after they botch a job up, but when Ken brings Ray to Bruges, he is none to happy. While the pair attempt to adjust to their surroundings, their boss, Harry, tells Ken that he has to get rid of Ray, but Ken isn’t too keen on that so Harry thinks he has to finish the job himself.
6. The Crying Game
Neil Jordan commented that he woke up one morning and decided that he would change the woman in the Crying Game to a woman, who is actually a man. As soon as he made that change, the entire film evolved in front of him. Beginning with an IRA member who must keep a British soldier captive, the Crying Game will take you to places you never could have imagined.
7. The Field
This is Richard Harris’s greatest role, there is no question about it and with a subject matter that is so inherently Irish, the subject of the land and our ties to it, the Field explores just about everything concerning growing up in rural Ireland. The performances are magnificent, the script, based on the play, is wonderfully written, The Field is a masterpiece.
8. The Quiet Man
Yes, it has its faults, it may just be that little bit too Oirisih, but the Quiet Man is not without its charm. John Wayne plays Sean Thornton, a retired boxer with a past that haunts him who returns to Ireland and falls in love with the village beauty, Mary Danaher. However, there is more to Mary than meets the eye and she proves to Sean that she is quite the handful.
9. The Barrytown Trilogy
“Good girl, Sharon…” Is there any Irish person who would not be able to quote at least a couple of lines from the Snapper or the Commitments or even the van? Based on the books by Roddy Doyle, the Barrytown trilogy are some of the funniest Irish films you will ever see. One involves a newly-formed soul band, the other a young girl who finds herself pregnant and the last about a couple a friends who set up a fish and chip van. Just genius.
Life’s a Breeze will be released in cinemas on July 19th.
