It must be noted that they are not necessarily in order because I am incapable of making decisions. Some are about the Troubles, some about Irish Catholic life, and some are just really great films. It should also be noted that this is a relatively trite list with mostly pretty well known Irish films and if you are pretty experienced with Irish cinema as I am, unfortunately this will be pretty basic.
1. The Commitments (1991)
This movie is a must see for all movie lovers. It follows the joys and trials and tribulations of a group of young Dubliners trying to start a band. Relations will be tested and great music will be played. More than anything, the movie is FUNNY and has some great dialogue.
2. Angela's Ashes
I think we all pretty much know about this movie. A beautiful and heartbreaking story of Irish Catholic life in the early 20th century. The poignant film is true to heart and provides a great view point of this life.
3. In the Name of the Father (1993)
There is only one thing you need to know about this film: DANIEL DAY LEWIS. As always Lewis gives a great performance making a great movie even better. This film portrays the true story of a young Irish lad charged with a terrorist bombing in London and his struggles to prove his innocence. This film is absolutely killer.
4. Once (2006)
What do you get when you put together a struggling Irish musician, a down and out immigrant, and a little bit of music? An awesome movie. This movie will make you laugh (pay special attention for my personal favorite part where some amazing songs are played on a bus) and cry. The chemistry between the two actors is amazing and the music conjured up is just as impressive. This super low budget, super independent film is super inspiring.
5. The Butcher Boy (1997)
To be honest, I don't really remember much about this film because I saw it a good few years ago. I do remember that it is about a young boy who goes around getting into trouble and that I liked it. Heck, if nothing else watch it cause it has a cool title! Sorry but I am too lazy to look up anything about it. Go watch the trailer if you care that much! Jeez!
6. My Left Foot (1989)
Again, DANIEL DAY LEWIS. This movie is the amazing and inspiring true story of a disabled Irishman and his struggle to live a normal life. Lewis gives another out of this world experience. As with all Irish films, this film will make you cry, but it will also most definately make you laugh. With such a history you need to be able to laugh (and a pint helps too).
7. Intermission (2003)
This is one of my personal favorite movies. This movie has a great cast including Colm Meaney, Cillian Murphy and Colin Farrell. Very funny. Very witty. And very good. This film is one of those intersecting storyline deals where there are several different smaller stories with characters mixing into other's stories. A sort of action flick with bank robberies, kidnappings, and stupid ass cops, this one is fast and funny.
8. The Snapper (1993)
This film is a sneak peak into the real Ireland. A story about a Dublin family (a trilogy of Irish stories of which The Commitments is one) and their craziness. The dialogue in this film is absolutely amazing and shows just how amazing Irish families really are. A daughter in an Irish family gets pregnant, and lets just say hilarity and chaos ensue. A warning to some though, if you have a hard time understanding accents, this film is going to be really hard for you to understand. Another warning, this film is pretty hard to find but well worth it because it is far to witty to miss.
9. Veronica Guerin (2003)
True story of Veronica Guerin, a journalist who was killed. There are other movies that chronicle the story of Veronica Guerin, and they are good in their own right, but this one is my personal favorite. Cate Blanchett gives an amazing performance as Veronica. This one WILL make you cry (that is unless you don't have a soul). Even I cried people!
Watch for a fun and really quick cameo of Colin Farrell.
10. The Boxer (1997) / An Everlasting Piece (2000)
Yes People, they are both ten. This inability to make decisions I spoke of is very real!
Boxer. Fresh outta jail. Ex-IRA. Just wants out of that life. Daniel Day Lewis. Emily Watson. Solid Watch.
Irish Humor + Hairpieces + Billy Connolly. Need I say more?
Other Mentionables (AKA just as good as the first ten but some how made it down here)
- Bloody Sunday (2002)- About Bloody Sunday
- The Wind that Shakes the Barley (2006)- Early Troubles + Cillian Murphy
- Breakfast on Pluto (2005)- Cillian Murphy + Cross Dressing
- Some Mother's Son (1996)- 1981 Hunger Strikes + Helen Mirren
- The Quiet Man (1952)- John Wayne + Irish countryside
- The Crying Game (1992)- IRA + Chicks that aren't really chicks
- The Magdalene Sisters (2002)- Nuns + 'boarding home for troubled youth' + MUST ESCAPE
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