Because you asked so nicely...
Now public. Sorry for the repeat, flist.
Will you like it if you're into films that are heavy on action or suspense? Probably not. Neither if you're looking for strong female characters - Juliana is great but in comparison her character doesn't have the same depth.
If you're into small personal dramas, however, you should definitely give this a try.
The story itself isn't anything that hasn't been done before - two people who have lost their way meet and bond over their struggles to get back on track -, but it's just such a wonderful, gentle little film.
Just in case you haven't already read a summary: Fred returns to Ireland after a longer period abroad. He has no money and also no fixed abode so he doesn't qualify for any benefits. Instead he ends up living in his car in a carpark by the sea where he meets his 'neighbour' Cathal, a young junkie. They quickly become friends and Cathal helps Fred to come out of his shell and approach Juliana - a pianist they meet at sports centre -, while Fred endeavours to help Cathal with his drug problem.
When Cathal's dealer appears on the scene though it becomes clear that things are more difficult than they seem.
The cinematography is absolutely beautiful. The nature shots tie in so well and support the whole mood of the film, which seems to sway between joy and sadness all the time. You have Cathal and Fred and their friendship and shenanigans, but the problems are always lurking. I think bittersweet's the word.
Also no one has ever died as prettily as Cathal does, seriously. It's all soft light and blurry close-ups on Cathal, broken by close-ups of the fire and its noise. It's so gorgeous it's almost sickening.
Colm Meany as Fred is absolutely loveable. So lost and overchallenged, a little frightened as well, but he never really loses his dignity. You basically just want to protect him because he seems so helpless.
And well, Colin, let the gushing begin... As derryere put it, it's impossible to imagine that anyone came out of this and wasn't completely in love with him.
I admit my bias, but seriously, even if I try to abstract that it remains one great performance.
It's really all about the little subtle shifts with him, isn't it? And his voice acting is just so impressive. He's got this really heavy (Southern, I think?) Irish accent and sounds so different from Merlin. I always feel like there are two kinds of actors, the ones that you feel are 'xy playing a junkie' and those who become their character and Colin's definitely of the latter category.
Cathal was troubled, but so positive and vibrant on the outside. A case of 'bright stars burn out fast' if you want to go into platitude territory.
There were loads of pretty, pretty close-ups my fingers itch with the desire to icon, his smoking acting has improved a lot since that short film and his singing, even though short, doesn't sound half bad. I think the boy can carry a tune.
As you've probably gathered, the end is not a happy one or let's rather say that it's the realistic one. Some manage to drag themselves out of the lows in life and some are lost along the way. It's painful and hopeful at the same time and I find myself alternating between wanting to smile and wanting to cry thinking back to it.
And for something a bit nerdier: OMG, Divine Comedy quotes! ♥
Midway in the journey of our life
I came to myself in a dark wood,
for the straight way was lost.
And...
Then we came forth, to see again the stars.
Might've been a slightly different translation, but I recognise my Dante.
In short, I really think this one deserves a wider release even though it's definitely one for the smaller cinemas and people who put story-telling before the big effects.
Or for any fan of Colin Morgan. Although this one's not easy to stomach - the 'you'll see him bloody, beaten and ultimately lying in a coffin' kind of not easy.
I'm very glad and feel fortunate to have seen it.
Will you like it if you're into films that are heavy on action or suspense? Probably not. Neither if you're looking for strong female characters - Juliana is great but in comparison her character doesn't have the same depth.
If you're into small personal dramas, however, you should definitely give this a try.
The story itself isn't anything that hasn't been done before - two people who have lost their way meet and bond over their struggles to get back on track -, but it's just such a wonderful, gentle little film.
Just in case you haven't already read a summary: Fred returns to Ireland after a longer period abroad. He has no money and also no fixed abode so he doesn't qualify for any benefits. Instead he ends up living in his car in a carpark by the sea where he meets his 'neighbour' Cathal, a young junkie. They quickly become friends and Cathal helps Fred to come out of his shell and approach Juliana - a pianist they meet at sports centre -, while Fred endeavours to help Cathal with his drug problem.
When Cathal's dealer appears on the scene though it becomes clear that things are more difficult than they seem.
The cinematography is absolutely beautiful. The nature shots tie in so well and support the whole mood of the film, which seems to sway between joy and sadness all the time. You have Cathal and Fred and their friendship and shenanigans, but the problems are always lurking. I think bittersweet's the word.
Also no one has ever died as prettily as Cathal does, seriously. It's all soft light and blurry close-ups on Cathal, broken by close-ups of the fire and its noise. It's so gorgeous it's almost sickening.
Colm Meany as Fred is absolutely loveable. So lost and overchallenged, a little frightened as well, but he never really loses his dignity. You basically just want to protect him because he seems so helpless.
And well, Colin, let the gushing begin... As derryere put it, it's impossible to imagine that anyone came out of this and wasn't completely in love with him.
I admit my bias, but seriously, even if I try to abstract that it remains one great performance.
It's really all about the little subtle shifts with him, isn't it? And his voice acting is just so impressive. He's got this really heavy (Southern, I think?) Irish accent and sounds so different from Merlin. I always feel like there are two kinds of actors, the ones that you feel are 'xy playing a junkie' and those who become their character and Colin's definitely of the latter category.
Cathal was troubled, but so positive and vibrant on the outside. A case of 'bright stars burn out fast' if you want to go into platitude territory.
There were loads of pretty, pretty close-ups my fingers itch with the desire to icon, his smoking acting has improved a lot since that short film and his singing, even though short, doesn't sound half bad. I think the boy can carry a tune.
As you've probably gathered, the end is not a happy one or let's rather say that it's the realistic one. Some manage to drag themselves out of the lows in life and some are lost along the way. It's painful and hopeful at the same time and I find myself alternating between wanting to smile and wanting to cry thinking back to it.
And for something a bit nerdier: OMG, Divine Comedy quotes! ♥
Midway in the journey of our life
I came to myself in a dark wood,
for the straight way was lost.
And...
Then we came forth, to see again the stars.
Might've been a slightly different translation, but I recognise my Dante.
In short, I really think this one deserves a wider release even though it's definitely one for the smaller cinemas and people who put story-telling before the big effects.
Or for any fan of Colin Morgan. Although this one's not easy to stomach - the 'you'll see him bloody, beaten and ultimately lying in a coffin' kind of not easy.
I'm very glad and feel fortunate to have seen it.