I first saw this movie before I had any real understanding of Irish history -- and came out of the movie theater totally unimpressed with the almost laughable ending. All that for THAT? When I heard it was one of the Irish's favorite movies, I was mystified, since it doesn't paint a very complimentary picture of any of its characters.
Fifteen years later, I still think the ending is ridiculous, and Tom Berenger's performance is terribly wooden. But with a better knowledge of Irish history, this movie has transformed into one of my favorites. Bull McCabe's speech in the pub in response to the publican's statement "The English are gone, Bull," is one of the greatest scenes in any movie, ever.
Richard Harris and John Hurt give great performances, and the movie captures a lot of the agony and the glory of history's legacy in Ireland. For those who aren't Irish: If you know the history, you'll appreciate it better. If not, you'll probably find it obtuse.
Fifteen years later, I still think the ending is ridiculous, and Tom Berenger's performance is terribly wooden. But with a better knowledge of Irish history, this movie has transformed into one of my favorites. Bull McCabe's speech in the pub in response to the publican's statement "The English are gone, Bull," is one of the greatest scenes in any movie, ever.
Richard Harris and John Hurt give great performances, and the movie captures a lot of the agony and the glory of history's legacy in Ireland. For those who aren't Irish: If you know the history, you'll appreciate it better. If not, you'll probably find it obtuse.