10 Best St Patrick's Day Movies
Irish films, Irish filmmakers, March 17th movies
The best dramas and comedies to celebrate St Patrick's Day.
A good St. Patrick's Day movie does not mean watching Leprechaun. It means watching a great Irish movie--one that celebrates being Irish, is made steeped with Irish love or just leaps to mind as a great example of Irish filmmaking.
1. The Brothers McMullen (1995)
Director (and actor) Ed Burns has long fancied himself an Irish Woody Allen (and even shoots in New York). His first feature, though obviously very low-budget, still charms. It revolves around three brothers and their choices in life and love. Barry (Burns) makes a promise to his Irish mother he won't make the same mistakes she did, and to really marry for love. Unfortunately, Barry is also the cynic of the bunch and it's not til he meets Audrey (Maxine Bahns) that he might be convinced otherwise.
2. Gone, Baby, Gone (2007)
Set in the very Irish-American neighborhoods of Boston, this film is based on Dennis Lehane's Kenzie-Gennaro mystery series. Two private detectives (played by Casey Affleck and Michelle Monaghan) know the tough neighborhoods of Dorchester and find themselves hired by the aunt of a kidnapped girl. Unfortunately, it's not long before things get really complicated and other parties get involved. It all comes down to a moral call the two cannot agree on, and it makes for a riveting film.
3. The Secret of Roan Inish (1994)
A sweet family-friendly film with a gorgeous backdrop, a young girl finds herself shipped off to Ireland to live with her grandparents. The film's story mixes a tragic past (her little brother was lost at sea) with a local legend (the girl's ancestor married a Selkie--a seal that can shapeshift into a human) and the little girl becomes determined to track down the truth. The film's scenery is absolutely gorgeous; the pace is steady (not slow) but it makes for a magical and relaxing treat.
4. The Commitments (1991)
Once's recent fame will hopefully put this film back in the spotlight, as it co-stars Glen Hasard. Based on the Roddy Doyle novel, the movie is ripe with colorful language and characters alike. It has a killer soundtrack and a poignant though realistic take on a band's inception and demise. It pulls no punches as it takes a very honest look at what a band must endure to become famous. Unfortunately, in this case the band members' relationships are too volatile for the band's lifespan to endure, but it makes for a hysterical and charming story.
5. My Left Foot (1989)
Starring the much-lauded Daniel Day-Lewis (and directed by Jim Sheridan, responsible for just as many amazing Irish films as Day-Lewis), this film is based on the true story of Christy Brown. Born wth cerebral palsy to a large Irish family, he overcomes everything to become a painter and author (with the use, of course, of his left foot). An incredibly moving story, it's Day-Lewis's performance that makes this most memorable.
6. Intermission (2003)
A very Irish cast (including Colin Farrell, Cillian Murphy and the ubiquitous Colm Meaney) make up this film of intersecting stories. Most of the characters may seem initially unlikable, but their situations provide plenty of humor. Everything begins with a break-up that backfires and unleashes a chain of humorous events. There are plenty of colorful characters in a gritty setting--subtitles may be necessary from time to time--some of the dialects can be pretty thick!
7. The Quiet Man (1952)
This is a traditional and fervently adored classic starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, directed by John Ford. Sean Thorton (Wayne) leaves America behind with a dark past, and returns to Ireland to reclaim his roots, history and homestead. It's here that he also finds love, the beautiful (and feisty) Mary Kate (O'Hara), but his dark past threatens to haunt his future. Mary Kate's brother tries to interfere with the couple's future and Mary Kate sees Thorton's reluctance to be baited as cowardice. The film has an upbeat ending, however, and the town of Cong in County Mayo makes for a gorgeous setting.
8. Gangs of New York (2002)
This Martin Scorsese film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz and Daniel Day-Lewis (yes, again, but this is a list of great St. Patrick's Day films, so it's inevitable) and is one of Scorsese's best. It runs a little long, but it covers so much in its time. Set in 1863 New York, there is intense violence, riots and gang activity. What begins as a personal story of revenge turns beautifully into a much larger tale. This is an incredible film with much to take in.
9. The Snapper (1993)
This cute and quirky little-known film deals with a surprise (and unwelcome) pregnancy. Based on another Roddy Doyle novel, Sharon comes from a large Irish family (with whom she is still living), and rumors of her pregnany get around town very quickly. Her refusal to name the father brings about endless speculation and even more gossip. Its wit, humor (dry and a far cry from cheesy saccharine films), and realism make this a memorable and welcome addition to the list.
10. Some Mother's Son (1996)
A more serious St Paddy's Day film, this Helen Mirren film takes place during the infamous 1981 hunger strike led by IRA prisoner Bobby Sands. The strike was held in a British prison - a demonstration demanding IRA members be held as prisoners-of-war, not criminals. It's a very somber affair as two mothers must watch their sons survive prison and the hunger strike, but it's historically well told and a touching film.
