A coming of age story for people who don't usually like coming of age stories, unfortunately renamed for American audiences a Summer Fling, which it is not about at all. Nor is it really much of a coming of age movie, in the sense the strongest character is the proddy hating Irish Catholic mother, played by Catherine O'Hara, a red haired overly political passionate nutcase who steals the movie from the kids. The kids, by the way, are interesting, amusing, and not idiotic, like those found in most Hollywood comedies. I found the movie entertaining and I appreciated not being patronized. If you're looking for something light, a little Irish, and a pleasant way to pass the time, check this out.
23 Reviews
Jared Leto as an Irish boy
Travis_Bickle012 April 2005
Fine drama about an Irish family. The story is nothing new but the movie is very entertaining. There are some big names related to this movie. Gabriel Byrne was co-writer of the screenplay, producer and actor in this movie. There's also a small but funny role for Stephen Rea as a cab driver. The leading role is for Jared Leto, the guy who played also one of the leading role is the outstanding movie "Requiem for a dream". In "The last of the high kings" he also gives a good performance. Furthermore we have Emily Mortimer who gives an excellent performance as the sweet and beautiful Romy Thomas. Christina Ricci, who we know from "The opposite of Sex" is also in this movie as Erin.
In general this is a entertaining and sometimes funny movie, although there's nothing special in it. 7/10
In general this is a entertaining and sometimes funny movie, although there's nothing special in it. 7/10
An inside joke
n-mo28 October 2007
Warning: Spoilers
It is tempting to dismiss this as a condescending survey of the only semi-modernized Ireland of Irish-Americans nostalgia, overbearing on dry humor that is not funny to anyone not broadly familiar with Irish history and sociology, and particularly so since the lead roles are filled by Americans. Yet as anyone who has been to Ireland will discover, it is difficult to draw the distinction between the packaged commercialization of Irish culture and Irish culture itself--partially because entities like the Guinness Irish Pub Co. are just plain good at what they do, so that the Irish themselves get wrapped up in it. (Go to any well-designed "Irish pub" in a major U.S. city and I guarantee you will find Irish people drinking there themselves.) With this in mind, it is a shame they had to change the U.S. title to the rather bland, Hollywood-esquire "Summer Fling" presumably to get into the theaters, since pretty much everyone who would want to see this movie would understand "The Last of the High Kings." But I suppose I digress.
Frankie Griffin is desperate to be "normal," yet stuck in a family of idiosyncrasies and waiting painfully for his exam results to return so that he can know whether he will be going to university. The film is not entirely clear what drives this desire for "normalcy," nor does it seem wholly sympathetic toward his somewhat immature proclamation of self-emancipation from the bonds of Catholicism, Fianna Fáil, and chastity. Frankie is apparently highly gifted in the letters and in music, yet he refuses to show this to anyone, even to the end. Perhaps, then, the admonition of his stern and quirky yet very loving mother that "There are plenty of good Protestants... It's a shame they're all dead" (along with accusing Jayne of being a "Protestant bitch," which she is, though not because of her Protestantism) is a hint that his true coming of age will only come with his embracing of his family and identity.
The Last of the High Kings is a fun little ride when it takes us into those nostalgic facets of 1970's Ireland and despite its theme, admits that no one these days really comes of age by 17. It is not, however, one of my favorites, owing to its choppy progression and holding back of sympathetic notes for the main characters.
Frankie Griffin is desperate to be "normal," yet stuck in a family of idiosyncrasies and waiting painfully for his exam results to return so that he can know whether he will be going to university. The film is not entirely clear what drives this desire for "normalcy," nor does it seem wholly sympathetic toward his somewhat immature proclamation of self-emancipation from the bonds of Catholicism, Fianna Fáil, and chastity. Frankie is apparently highly gifted in the letters and in music, yet he refuses to show this to anyone, even to the end. Perhaps, then, the admonition of his stern and quirky yet very loving mother that "There are plenty of good Protestants... It's a shame they're all dead" (along with accusing Jayne of being a "Protestant bitch," which she is, though not because of her Protestantism) is a hint that his true coming of age will only come with his embracing of his family and identity.
The Last of the High Kings is a fun little ride when it takes us into those nostalgic facets of 1970's Ireland and despite its theme, admits that no one these days really comes of age by 17. It is not, however, one of my favorites, owing to its choppy progression and holding back of sympathetic notes for the main characters.
A very good movie that should not have been renamed for US
mush-520 September 1999
I really liked this movie, however I may have missed it if I only knew it by it's US video title, "Summer Fling". That really does not do this entertaining film about a young man and his wacky family justice. Catherine O'Hara was great as well as the rest of the cast. I wish US video makers would stop messing with Irish, UK and European film titles.
Days gone by
ctomvelu-112 July 2008
A coming-of-age drama, set in Ireland in 1977, the year Elvis died. Louisiana-born Jared Leto plays the eldest and somewhat shy son of an eccentric Irish family, waiting for his exam scores for college admittance while his father (Gabriel Byrne) trots off to America for an acting gig and his mother (Canadian-born Catherine O'Hara) is driving him insane. Plus the two hottest girls in town (one of them Emily Mortimer) are both sniffing around him, and he is the subject of unwanted attention from a visiting American (Christina Ricci). Everything is coming to boil, including a sleazy politician (Colm Meany) sniffing around Leto's perpetually lonely mom. O'Hara is a hoot, and makes what might have been a thoroughly obnoxious character actually quite lovable. A young actor at the time, Leto already showed great promise. I won't vouch for his Irish accent, not being Irish.
Cast is splendid and the story (while not action packed) is a nice watch
stephowrites17 July 2020
It is a movie about a kid who wants to live before he enters adulthood. It is also a story of prejudice. Catherine O'Hara steals the show as Frankie's mother with outdated, inaccurate, and fiercely held opinions. It's the story of a kid trying to figure out who is and what he wants out of life rather than following the strict rules of his family. The cast is splendid and the story (while not action packed) is a nice watch.
For Irish lovers only
=G=22 November 2001
"The Last of the High Kings" aka "Summer Fling" is a wonderfully charming and wry little coming-of-age film with Leto at the center of a cast of idiosyncratic characters including his eccentric parents, some lovely lasses, and sundry town folk. This witty but dry slice of Irish life flick is laced with some not so obvious humor which will please those with sufficiently educated palates and leave others cold. A great watch for those with a taste for the Emerald Isles.
If you are Irish...
fred flange14 November 2001
Please don't expose yourself to Catherine O'Hara's cringe making accent.
The plot is thin, there is no drive in this movie at all.
The one highlight is of course Stephen Rea as the taxi driver, but even his superb contribution is not enough to warrant lifting the odd eyelid.
Far better to pop down to the pub and have a quick pint of Guiness.
Good luck!
Fred F.
The plot is thin, there is no drive in this movie at all.
The one highlight is of course Stephen Rea as the taxi driver, but even his superb contribution is not enough to warrant lifting the odd eyelid.
Far better to pop down to the pub and have a quick pint of Guiness.
Good luck!
Fred F.
Boring!
Tito-81 July 1999
This film didn't start off too badly, but things just got progressively worse. There was the occasional amusing scene, especially during the beginning, but I never found a reason to start liking these characters. When Christina Ricci showed up, I was hoping that she would give the film a shot in the arm, but her character was gone before she had time to make an impact. And so, the final half-hour was simply a chore to watch and a dreadful way to end a poor movie. There's nothing that I can recommend about this film, but I would certainly be interested in finding out why some North American actors were hired for Irish parts. My theory is that some Irish actors saw the script, and they were wise enough to pass on this bomb.
Cracking film
chrisp-4410 December 2006
Saw this film in Ireland when it came out and loved it then. Found it again on Amazon and I still think it's a great film. It is touching without being mawkish, wryly amusing. Makes me glad I'm half Irish!
Interesting introduction to Lorraine Pilkington, lovely girl and a talented actress.
The setting is perfect, faded gentility in an Ireland becoming more sophisticated. Some comment on the politics of both church and state, poking gentle fun at both. Not deeply intellectual, but fun without being facile.
If you like to see genuine human interaction, skilfully portrayed, you will love this film, now something of a period piece.
Interesting introduction to Lorraine Pilkington, lovely girl and a talented actress.
The setting is perfect, faded gentility in an Ireland becoming more sophisticated. Some comment on the politics of both church and state, poking gentle fun at both. Not deeply intellectual, but fun without being facile.
If you like to see genuine human interaction, skilfully portrayed, you will love this film, now something of a period piece.
Horrid absolutely horrid
joeinwpb11 July 2001
Possibly the worst movie I ever rented. It was listed as a comedy. There was no humor whatsoever in the whole thing. I've never been duped so badly in renting a movie. What a bummer. I only feel bad that I couldn't give a rating lower than a 1.
Not for bozos
Dan B Pearl15 November 1999
The other comments should in fact give you a good indication of whether you'll enjoy the film. If you're interested in Ricci's appearance, would really feel more comfortable if films have laughter tracks too or don't really know about Irish people (or anyone outside North America), you're not really going to get it. If, however, you enjoy the nuances of spoken language, rites-of-passage films, the idiosyncrasies of Irish rural life or '70s rock East of the Atlantic, you'll go for this Gregory's Girly slow-moving heartbreaker.
trash
Fly-108 June 1999
Nod...Nod...Oh, I'm sorry. I am kind of tired. Just thinking about this boring piece of trash makes me fall into a deep sleep only comparable to that one put upon the beauty we all know and love. A must see if you enjoy having alcohol rubbed on your wounds then adding salt for good measure. On a positive note, Christina Ricci has acted in yet again a bad movie. Way to go girl!
Another title that has almost nothing to do with the movie content
blackismylove20 December 2008
I mean, it wasn't even a decent metaphor for anything. The plot had elements that could have been interesting, but I didn't care about any of the characters. Every time I thought it was progressing towards being something interesting, the movie would shift gears and start heading in another direction. And in addition, it was so predictable. There were too many cliché situations where I knew exactly what was going to happen next. Aside from Catherine O'hara's character, the movie lacked any real interesting personalities. Please, don't be mislead into thinking that this is going to be a good use of an hour and a half for you.
Amiable seriocomic teen outing
Woodyanders13 June 2013
Warning: Spoilers
1977. Awkward teenager Frankie (an excellent and engaging performance by Jared Leto) has just finished his final exams that could lead to him going to college. However, Frankie fears that he may have failed said exams, so he spends the summer pining for two local girls while contending with his eccentric family and trying to figure out exactly what he's going to do with the rest of his life. Director David Keating, who also co-wrote the wry script with Gabriel Byrne, relates the engrossing story at a relaxed pace, offers an affectionate depiction of the 70's era that thankfully doesn't resort to silly kitsch, neatly mines an amusing line in good-natured low-key humor, and astutely nails the bittersweet yearning, confusion, and uncertainty of adolescence verging on adulthood. Moreover, what makes this movie so likable and appealing is the breezy way it just sort of ambles along at a pleasantly laid-back clip, with plenty of well observed moments of warm drama and gentle comedy sprinkled throughout as well as loads of sharp asides at Irish pride, conservatism, and nationalism. The sturdy acting by the able cast keeps the picture on track: Catherine O'Hara almost steals the whole show with her spirited portrayal of Frankie's fiery and domineering mother Cathleen, Christina Ricci makes the most out of her regrettably minor role as bubbly and radiant American Erin, Byrne registers well as Frankie's colorful actor father Jack, Colm Meaney impresses as smug politician Jim Davern, and Stephen Rea has a funny bit as a gregarious cab driver with a knack for telling tale tales. In addition, there are praiseworthy contributions from Lorraine Pilkington as the saucy and vibrant Jayne Wayne, Jason Berry as loyal friend Nelson Fitzgerald, and Emily Mortimer as the pretty and charming Romy Thomas. Bernd Heinl's crisp cinematography provides a pleasing sunny look. Michael Conventino's jaunty harmonic score and the choice rock soundtrack are fine as well. A nice little film.
Not a coming of age story.
volley88859 July 2006
Many people may believe that "Summer Fling" is a coming of age story. From my perception, I see that this movie is about a 17 year old boy growing up in 1977 Dublin, named Frankie Griffin(played by Jared Leto) trying to discover his destination in life. The movie starts out with Frankie taking exams for his completion of school. The results to these exams will play an important matter if either Frankie is going to further his education or has to get a job. Catherine O'Hara plays Frankie's mother, Cathleen, who is very political and devoted to her country. Frankie's father, played by Gabriel Byrne, is a steady stage actor who is a minor influence in Frankie's life and also to the film, but plays an important element in the storyline. Throughout the film, Frankie tries to gain the respect of two protestant girls that Cathleen is not to fond of. However, Christina Ricci plays Erin, a girl who is from America, is of Irish decent, and not protestant. Cathleen welcomes Erin with open arms, and Frankie just ignores her. Many people may think that "Summer Fling" is about a boy who has a fantasy about being in love with one of the two protestant girls. But to everyone's surprise, "Summer Fling" is about a boy who is on his journey into coming into manhood and along the way picking his own path in his life. I believe that this film a great original story that will make you rethink about important matters in your own life and making dreams of your own.
Superb movie acted out by superb actors, particularly Catherine O'Hara!
braddlad4 June 2002
I purchased this movie because I wanted to see the acting that Catherine O'Hara was capable of, having seen her in Home Alone 1&2. She was marvelous. She was really funny and a really talented actor. She had the gift of making some parts of the movie funny and others, more saddening. All the other characters were also good and they also played their part wonderfully in making such a splendid film!!
GREAT Movie
nscli45784 January 2000
regardless what some would think about this movie...it was a great movie...those who don't like it probably stay pretty much on the side of the "shoot em up...kill em...kick em...punch em...destroy" type movies. For those who are more down to earth.. you will probably enjoy this movie emensely...
good performances
Cindy-3918 May 1999
Great performances by Catherine O'Hara and Gabriel Byrne as the parents of the Griffin household; both roles are very different (as far as I know) from what the actors usually play. Jared Leto proves himself to be a good actor and also shows he can do a convincing Irish accent.
Catherine O'Hara
Deneb21 September 1998
I was surprised when watching this movie at what a good actress Catherine O'Hara is. I have seen her in many roles before, but no other role let her shine as she did in this movie. I was also surprised at Jarod Leto's ability, and range. I would have liked to have seen more of Gabriel Byrne.
whether to have
annapannov9 July 2018
Fifteen children instead me one vivd still bt Him even never regret only when smo reach my age when me was by his fing bec tog one who only accuse me asif me id nt sufficient in anyth bt we were six y each whether she regret even since much time only few bec her daughter still cant count like she want bt rest even your pocket what possible to be sott even the next
whether alst among high
annapannov9 July 2018
Light-hearted movie to watch in 2022
Archiequinn26 January 2022
I wanted to watch a movie, but didn't want to watch anything I've already seen, so, just picked Jared Leto and scrolled through all till found this.
I maybe didn't connect that much together with the Irish thing, but eventually it all came together to me towards the end of the movie. It felt more concentrated on Leto's character's summer than anything else, tbh, although anything else can also impact this character. Otherwise, I really liked it from A to Z, was laughing it off and also remembered youth apparently through Leto's character's eyes. I really liked this genuinely awkward image he portraited, I caught myself to the feeling we don't see smth like that in movies often anymore. We mostly have smth supernatural or some alpha-males running around, but here... it was just a boy before going to colledge. At some point everyone of us have been there in this weird moment when you don't know how to act, how to talk or any of now seemingly simple things. I definitely enjoyed this 1996 movie in 2022. Giving it 8 out of 10 as in the beginning I didn't really feel it all connecting together, but in overall I absolutely enjoyed my time watching it, and surely will watch it again!
I maybe didn't connect that much together with the Irish thing, but eventually it all came together to me towards the end of the movie. It felt more concentrated on Leto's character's summer than anything else, tbh, although anything else can also impact this character. Otherwise, I really liked it from A to Z, was laughing it off and also remembered youth apparently through Leto's character's eyes. I really liked this genuinely awkward image he portraited, I caught myself to the feeling we don't see smth like that in movies often anymore. We mostly have smth supernatural or some alpha-males running around, but here... it was just a boy before going to colledge. At some point everyone of us have been there in this weird moment when you don't know how to act, how to talk or any of now seemingly simple things. I definitely enjoyed this 1996 movie in 2022. Giving it 8 out of 10 as in the beginning I didn't really feel it all connecting together, but in overall I absolutely enjoyed my time watching it, and surely will watch it again!
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