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 The Video Library
Click here for: Books | Music | Prints & Photos
What is the top Irish movie of all time?
That is what Jameson whiskey in conjunction with 'The Dubliner' magazine asked 10,000 people in a July 2005 poll. Throughout these pages we have marked the top ten at the top of each and its ranking.
The Tiger's Tail
I love movies made in Ireland or the U.K. and this one does not disappoint. Great story, great actors. If you're into a good storyline without anyone getting blown up, decapitated, terrorized, etc., then you'll really enjoy this film. Review by Francine on amazon
ED. NOTE: We concur. Brendan Gleeson is brilliant!
Click here for The Tiger's Tail.
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In the Name of the Father is based on a true story and is at times grueling and never less than compelling, with a complex performance by Day-Lewis and a strong one by Emma Thompson as the lawyer who finally cracks through the British obstructions to the truth. Marshall Fine
Click here for Name of the Father
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In honor of the recent anniversary of his assassination, we bring to your attention a movie that has been applauded for its accuracy and attention to detail. As one reviewer puts it: "This is a downright good film about a brave and passionate Irishman who loves his country and independence and will fight for them until death."
Click here for Michael Collins
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Top Irish Movie #7
A hard-hitting drama about one man's obsession with a plot of land that his family has tended for generations. What makes the film worthwhile is the Oscar-nominated performance by Richard Harris as "Bull" McCabe, the fiercely stubborn man who's nurtured a prime field of rented land for decades, only to lose it when the owner auctions the land to an unwelcome American (Tom Berenger). Rather than sacrifice his life's work to this brazen invader, McCabe wages a personal war with powerfully tragic results. Amazon review
Click here for The Field.
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Top Irish Movie #8
The rough-edged vitality of contemporary Irish filmmaking is readily apparent in this black comedy in which 54 characters and 11 plotlines compete for consistently impressive screen-time. Jumping from one plot to another, the characters are tangled in an infectious series of intersecting events, shifting from scenes of brutal violence, poignant compassion, and richly dark humor, and somehow managing to make it all fit together in a miraculously coherent tapestry of romance, crime, and authentic Dublin atmosphere.
Click here for Intermission.
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This was definitely one of the best films I've seen in 2003. Cate Blanchett was amazing, and the story was incredibly compelling. I give it four stars instead of five because I always prefer surprise endings - here you know what happens at the end...Great movie, though! (amazon review)
Ireland's top-grossing film of 2003.
Click here for Veronica Guerin.
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We took our time before we watched this one. When we finally did we were amazed. Russ was familiar with the history behind it but not this violent detail. It is excellent but don't let your kids watch it - much too violently graphic. Daniel Day-Lewis is superb as the ultimate villain. Its hard to realise he's the same man who starred in My Left Foot and The Last of the Mohicans
Click here for Gangs of NY.
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Dancing at Lunasa
Set in 1936 rural Ireland, this bittersweet tale examines the emotional lives of the five unmarried Mundy sisters. In their mutual care is 8-year-old Michael, the illegitimate son of the youngest sister. A voice-over from the adult Michael recalls that significant summer, in the month of August and during the feast of Lughnasa, when the townfolk dance around a fire to Lugh, the ancient god of light. Filled with ironic and haunting meaning, the film is directed by Pat O'Connor (Circle of Friends), the music is beautiful, the cinematography is gorgeous, the performances are excellent - and that last scene is unforgettable.
Click here for Dancing
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Top Irish Movie #10
On meeting Michael, Rory decides that they must change their lives and so concocts a plan to beat the system. Escaping Carrigmore Home for the Disabled, the duo hire Siobhan to take care of their every need. Her arrival, however, brings with it emotions that Rory and Michael have never experienced. James McAvoy captures the zest for life and extreme frustration. The film gives a great insight into disability and is accurately portrayed. It does not go for the sympathy vote, but shows two steely individuals fighting for their rights.
Click here for Inside I'm Dancing.
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The Informer which was published in 1924, was later made into a movie by his famous cousin, John Ford. It's likely that if you know of no other works by Liam O'Flaherty, you would have heard of this one - such is the influence of Hollywood.
See our Article on O'Flaherty
Click here for The Informer
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The Brylcream Boys
Based on the true story of what happens in a World War II POW camp in the neutral Republic of Ireland , we bought this movie in a frenzy of collecting just about anything that featured Gabriel Byrne. We weren't disappointed. But the credit doesn't belong to one of our favorite Irish actors. He's good, but so is the rest of the cast, including a brilliant performance from Jean Butler of Riverdance. Imagine... USAF and RAF pilots housed next to Germans - in Ireland.
Click here for The Brylcream Boys
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Filmed on the Dingle Peninsula, this stirringly dramatic story takes place during World War I. Rosy Ryan (Sarah Miles) sets her cap for the local school master (Robert Mitchum). They marry, but her life is not what she'd hoped for. Then, a shell-shocked British officer enters the picture. The incredible scenery becomes the ironic backdrop for a brutal drama that plays out to an almost inevitable conclusion. Worth seeing? Definitely - if only for the cinematography. But, Ryan's Daughter also offers an often painful glimpse of how Ireland once was.
Click here for Ryan's Daughter
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Click here for Movies by category: Animals | Comedy | Christmas | Drama | Heritage | Music | History | Romance | Saints & Legends | Scenic & Documentary
Drama Page: 1 • {Next} Drama Page: 2
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Sun, Jun 9, 2013
Glendalough - the glen of the two lakes
The location is spellbinding. It encompasses two clear water lakes situated beneath the sheer cliffs of a deep valley which was carved out by glaciers during the Ice Age. The perfect spot for a serene monastic settlement.
Today, Glendalough is one of the most important sites of monastic ruins in Ireland. Fourteen centuries have passed since the death of its founder, St. Kevin, when the valley was part of Ireland's Golden Age.
The buildings which survive probably date from between the 8th and 12th centuries. The famous Round Tower is in near perfect condition even though it is almost 1,000 years old. To learn more, please click St.Kevin.
Photo Credit: Irish Corner.
Click for More Culture Corner.
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 Can't Find it?!
Our Library is compiled from what we know and like. If you can't find what you're looking for read on.
• First: go to Amazon -
There's no escaping the fact that they are the largest catalog.
Note: There are multiple Amazons and they do not carry exactly the same items. Any one of the U.S., U.K. and Canada sites may not have the item but another Amazon will. Each site will ship anywhere in the world. Try them all before you give up.
Click here for Amazon.US.
Click here for Amazon.UK.
Click here for Amazon.Canada.
• Second: Amazon doesn't have it? Alright, try ALibris they are the place for 'books you never thought you'd find'. They now carry videos. The prices vary, since they are offered from various sources.
Click here for ALibris.
• Last: Nothing Worked?
E-Mail us, we'll give it a go. Click for Russ & Bridget.
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