Waking Ned Devine (1998) User Reviews

Refreshing

[blade-21 · 8/10 · 3 April 1999]

An afternoon tea on a warm summer day is still seen by some people as an enjoyable way to rid oneself of the tensions of the day and to allow oneself to slow down and feel at ease. Waking Ned is a sort of afternoon tea for cinemagoers. Nothing really bad happens. There are no really tense moments, or serious threats to life or liberty, for the mostly likeable but roguish characters. That's what makes the film so appealing!!

There are maybe two characters that quickly lose the audiences sympathy and both get their comeuppance in different ways. One, a truly "nasty piece of work", is reminiscent of the wicked witch from The Wizard of Oz ( the parallel should be readily evident to the viewer). This character meets her demise in the most hilarious manner possible for a likeable film such as this.

On the whole Waking Ned is a refreshing film that is "Feel Good" all the way through without laying on thick layers of mush. No need for the hankies folks but there's plenty of room to toast the villagers' of Tully Moor!!

A Delight of a Comedy

[caspian1978 · 7/10 · 22 July 2004]

Only in Ireland! The backdrop of a small village in Ireland sets the stage for an interesting comedy about a winning lottery ticket and the dead guy it belongs to. Waking Ned Devine is about the waking up of a small village that has been fast asleep since the start. The side stories of love, friendship and greed do not fall short. They in fact add to the greatness of this comedy. A delight for the entire family, even the quick scenes of a 70 year old naked man on a motor cycle comes out to be nothing more than good clean fun. An original idea made into a terrific movie. An enjoyable story with wonderful and like-able characters. A hit!

Star rating: 4 out of 5

[jennifer_litchfield · 8/10 · 20 December 2003]

Waking Ned Devine is one of those charming and funny movies that you just can't help liking. Surely everyone has pondered on what life would be like if one won the lottery. . . . . . . . . . In the quaint Irish town of Tullymore, an elderly pair of jokers, Jackie and Michael, discover that one of the villagers has won the National Lottery's First Division. There's a problem though - the villager in question is dead. And so Jackie and Michael embark on an increasingly complicated scheme to convince the lottery scrutineers that Ned Devine is in fact still alive and well, and eligible to claim the £7 million winnings.

It's a refreshing change to watch a comedy where the protagonists are largely - to put it bluntly - old. The late Ian Bannen and David Kelly turn in marvelous performances as the irascible duo. Not only do they manage to create and capture the humour of the film, they also touchingly portray the affection each character has for the other.

But it is its own unique brand of humour for which Waking Ned Devine will most likely be remembered. The motley collection of villagers should raise a few chuckles, and the sight of a naked scrawny old man tearing along the Irish byroads on a motorbike will leave the viewer in stitches. However, the rather macabre method of dispatch dealt to the story's 'villain', while it is funny at the time, doesn't bear thinking about too closely.

Interestingly, the movie was filmed in the Isle of Man, rather than Ireland; nevertheless, the scenery is beautiful, and is complemented by some stirring Irish music (although this is a little loud in comparison with the dialogue). Overall though, this is a great film to watch to unwind a little.

This is a beautiful little film!

[garyrbennett · 26 July 2004]

This is a beautiful little film, touching on the universal themes of friendship, and the corrupting power of money and greed. It was a sleeper back when it was released, but got very good word of mouth. Sure it's sentimental and plays somewhat on stereotypes (I'm assuming, as I've never actually spent any time in a small Irish village), but the cast includes many great Irish and British character actors (especially the late Ian Bannen), and it's funny, well directed, beautifully shot, joyous and ultimately life-affirming. I've seen it with several friends, and they all dug it. The music is also very enjoyable, especially the last song, "The Parting Glass".

A good bit of fun

[majic-5 · 7/10 · 11 November 2007]

SPOILER: In the small, isolated town of Tullymore on the Irish coast, Ned Devine has just won the a big jackpot of the Irish lottery: $12.24 million, in U.S. dollars. Ned can't spend a farthing of it, though, because the excitement of winning the prize was too much for him. Ah well, at least old Ned died smiling.

The whole town of 52 knows that the winning number was sold in Tullymore, and finally, Michael O'Shea figures out, by process of elimination (and many chicken dinners at his house) who won it. Upon discovering Ned's sad state, O'Shea decides that if Ned can't enjoy the winnings, then maybe he can. Things get delightfully complicated quickly, and O'Shea has to enlist the rest of Tullymore in his scheme. The whole scam is cheerfully giddy, by turns nerve-wracking, funny, and touching.

The acting was nuanced enough, the characters sympathetic enough, and the web of deception spun slowly enough that I never condemned any of the con gang for trying to defraud the government. In fact, it was a lot of fun to see O'Shea and his buddies, simple men all (but not stupid), wrack their brains, then get increasingly (and uncomfortably) duplicitous in pursuit of the treasure. I found myself wondering what I'd do in their shoes. I might have just joined in and kept my $238,000 share.

Offbeat and Hilarious!

[psmcdoug · 9/10 · 9 February 2004]

This is one of my all-time favorite movies, complete with belly-laughs galore! I've always been a fan of off-beat, less-than-commercial stuff that doesn't rely upon the standard comedy formulas-- there's no run-of-the-mill, cheap stereotype stuff; they don't do repetitive physical humor that gets one laugh for every ten tries; and the shallow, vulgar humor to which so many of us Americans have become accustomed is nowhere to be found. Waking Ned Devine caught me from the get-go, with the opening scene with the lottery and apple tart being my all-time favorite in movie history. The wry, offbeat, and somewhat dark humor is good stuff in my book, though I guess (from the looks of a previous review) it's not quite for everyone. It's been a while since I last saw the movie, but I still remember the pigs, intestines, the mad dash on the moped, Ned's dentures, mexican crisps, and the sea-bound telephone booth like I watched it yesterday! Then there's the funeral service, the wake, and the beautiful closing scenes, all of which add some good, clean emotion to the humor. I think I'll watch it again very soon!

Nice black comedy

[besherat · 7/10 · 27 June 2018]

SPOILER: In the Irish town of Tula Mor is one of 52 people get on the lottery 7 million pounds. Since no one raises an award, a small town trying to find out the reason. They found dead Ned, with a smile on his face tightening a ticket in hand. But in Ireland the law is such ,that only people who bought the ticket could raise the reward. Then the town because it unites, and hope that the money be divided into 51 section. Nice black comedy.

Something from this movie which make mi laugh:

Boy Morris talks with the priest and asked him: Have you met Jesus? He say-no. If he pay to you?-No. The priest ask him: Maurice, would you able to interest the church? Morris say : I would never have to work for someone which I never met , and who doesn't pay to me.

Watched it 8 Times so Far

[ionamic · 10/10 · 25 May 2006]

I simply love this movie. Every time we have guests staying overnight or for a few days, I always drag this movie out. It has never hit mainstream America. Too bad! It's funny and it's touching...the two necessary elements to make a memorable movie. You would have to be angry cynic not to love it. The music is superb as well. The character Michael O'Sullivan reminds me of the father of one my best friends growing up. The scene where Michael and Jackie come to prepare Ned Devine is as hilarious as the funeral scene is sweet when Jackie eulogizes his friend Michael O'Sullivan, who is sitting in the front row of the church. Only then do you grasp how these two have been friends since childhood.

If you, like us, love to cheer for the little guys, this is a movie for you.

[macpherr · 7/10 · 10 September 1999]

Ian Bannen (Braveheart) Jackie O'Shea, and his best friend Michael O'Sullivan, played by David Kelly I (The Matchmaker) convince the entire town to join then in committing fraud against the lottery. That is, except for one whistle blower. They implicitly attest that Michael is Ned Devine. They are old and cute so who cares about the fraud. They are adorable going back and forth naked on their motorcycle. Don't worry you never see the naked bodies! It is just the idea of the movie that makes you keep rooting for the two and then for an entire city throughout the movie. This is a fun movie. I recommend it! I am going to get the video. Definitely one for your movie library! If you, like us, love to cheer for the little guys like we do, this is a movie for you. Favorite Scenes: The bridge of Ned Devine coming out of his mouth, the flying green telephone booth.

"Unmissable!"

[jamesraeburn2003 · 10/10 · 21 May 2004]

In an Irish village, a National Lottery winner dies of the shock of winning and the villagers launch a scheme to defraud the money by having one of them impersonate the dead man...

A charming comedy that is very much in the style of the older British comedies and all the better for it. It is good that the film was made in the 1990's rather than in the 1950's because censorship rules of that time would of meant that they would of had to of been be caught for their crime and that would of marred the film considerably. This was sadly the case in THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEMEN, a comedy heist film about a group of retired army officers pulling off a raid, a lighter ending would of made that film a classic, but in those days, they couldn't make a film about crime that paid.

Ian Bannen and David Kelly are superb as the two OAP's who lead the scheme. This is one of my favourite films of 1999 and this had more charm and wit than NOTTING HILL. Unmissable!

The film is set in Ireland but was actually shot on the Isle Of Man.

A gentle, uplifting comedy

[adamonIMDb · 7/10 · 31 October 2016]

'Waking Ned' is a fun little movie about a village that conspires to claim the lottery winnings of a deceased resident. It is brilliantly written and provides some genuinely hilarious individual scenes, with charismatic and fun lead characters.

For a low budget, relatively unknown film, I was surprised at just how good it was. This is the perfect feel good film - a simple, easy to follow plot, endearing characters and a well-written script. That's really all that is needed.

I would highly recommend this gentle, uplifting comedy film. A great way to spend a couple of hours.

This is a must see!

[Keyska2004 · 10/10 · 26 December 2005]

My wife purchased this movie for me, but I let it sit on my DVD library shelf for over a year before I watched it. I felt very sad that I took so long to watch it because it is now on my favorite movie list. I own over 500 DVD's and this is one that is my all time top 25. The acting was well presented to the viewer and very realistic. I agree that this is a sleeper movie that you just do not hear off, but after you watch it you will highly recommend it to others. I believe that we have all felt the emotions that were displayed in "Waking Ned Divine". The director has set it up for the movie watcher to meld into the lead character, who hasn't always wanted to win the LOTTO and share it with our friends. I just love how his wife turns out to be his moral subconscious, she brings a smile to my face because it is so truthful. Others have already said it, but this is a feel good movie that brings our everyday dull and grinding lives back into the sunshine.

Charming

[gcd70 · 6/10 · 30 March 2010]

The flavour, spirit and humour of Ireland is almost bottled in this light-hearted comedy about two old boys who conspire to keep the lottery winnings of a deceased friend.

Acted with wonderful mirth and charming wit, and lavishly filmed in that majestically rugged country, the film is easily able to carry you away from your cares for ninety minutes.

With all this considered, one can excuse the shallow obsession with money that the film portrays. Ian Bannen and David Kelly form a wonderful partnership as the close friends Jackie and Michael, and able support comes from Fionnula Flanagan, Susan Lynch and James Nesbitt.

Saturday, March 13, 1999 - Astor Theatre StKilda

Greedy People Not Funny

[ccthemovieman-1 · 3/10 · 10 September 2006]

I have some Irish heritage but I'm not from Ireland. I love Irish music, like the people, like the accent. think the country is beautiful, etc. I say all this because this movie sucked, and to me made the Irish people look like idiots. Let's hope they aren't like the annoying characters in this film.

In here, most of the people are money-hungry, shallow people who will do and say anything to get the riches of the Lotto. Someone in the town has just won the big lottery and they want to get in good with whomever it is. Sure, some parts are funny and it's only an exaggerated movie to get some laughs but I found the people irritating. I also don't appreciate hearing the Lord's name in vain seven times in first 20 minutes. I guess I'm an unusual Irishman in that regard.

I say, stick that blasphemy in a crime movie, not a comedy.

one of the great comedies

[jfalconer · 5 December 2004]

Though no one's at fault, I still feel sorry for those whose 'American ear' causes them to miss so much of these Irish/Scottish/English movies. This movie's on a par with or better than Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and other comedies with English/Irish (or Cockney) accents. Waking Ned Devine is just priceless: hardly what our Oklahoma friend thought. The cast is perfect; the plot superb. And yes, it is Ned's baby: if you tune your ear to the dialect you'll hear Annie say he always treated her gently and with love. So, those who didn't get it the first time, watch it again. I know you'll THEN watch it again. And again. It's that good! Thanks.

Waking Ned Divine

[ajgonzalez576 · 7/10 · 10 April 2013]

Waking Ned Divine is an great film in which the story line can be put into any type of culture and scenario. This movie brings a world on a comedy in with the of excitement and drama. The actors in this film really complemented each other. None better than jackie oshea , a fun loving personality that you cant resist his charm.This is movie is based a fun loving little town tuck away from any city life. so people in the town all know each other and its rare that anything really goes on with out someone knowing eachothers business. This movie will make you feel right at home, that comfortable feeling like you know each and every character is very real. you cant help to fall in love in love with this movie. and i am very excited to say this is one of best foreign movies i have seen in while , and highly recommend it to any one looking for a laughable movie with a touch of drama.

Enjoyable quirky comedy

[ukcommando · 9/10 · 4 April 2004]

A quirky comedy that could just as easily have been a TV hit, and to some extent it has that kind of feel. Some fine performances from the cast especially the late Ian Bannen.

Jackie O'Shea lives in a quiet little village, which is beset by the kind of gossip normal in such communities. When he finds that the lottery has been won by someone in the village, Jackie is obsessed by finding who the winner is. After a lengthy process of elimination, Jackie concludes that his friend Ned must be the winner.

But noone has seen Ned for days, so Jackie pays him a visit only to find that Ned has died of shock in his armchair in front of the TV when the lottery results were announced.

Realising that with no heir, Ned's winnings won't be paid out, Jackie persuades his friend Michael to impersonate Ned in order to claim the winnings, but things soon start to get very complicated as they attempt to keep up the facade.....

Not a blockbuster nor a 'split your sides laughing' type comedy (though it has it's moments) but thoroughly enjoyable all the same.

Funny

[billcr12 · 7/10 · 15 March 2018]

Waking Ned Devine is a light comedy with some terrific performances throughout. The lottery is won by a man named Ned Devine. As no one has claimed the prize, a couple of the village people do a full scale investigation to find out who amongst the 50 or so towns people has won. Ned Devine has died of a heart attack and the two men work out a means to collect the money. It involves the entire town and a plot of precision. I will not spoil the outcome, so just sit back and enjoy the rollicking ride with the beautiful scenery of the Isle of Man.

perfect way to spend time

[betsyhunter24 · 10/10 · 5 May 2005]

"Waking Ned Devine" is a perfect state of mind. The entire movie, which I've watched many, many times is more perfect each time I watch it. Everything about it; the cast, the music, the scenery; all matches perfectly throughout. Anyone who had anything to do with this production should be delighted with the thought that it is perfect!! Well done - Well done - Indeed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And, my profound thanks to all for making this production - watching it keeps me feeling good about life.

All the best to everyone involved in the making of this "feel good" production.

Jon Monsarrat review: Somewhat funny, very sweet

[johnnymonsarrat · 7/10 · 13 April 2002]

"Waking Ned" is a Irish comedy about a remote village of quirky but lovable characters. It's a "feel good" movie without a sharp edge (Rush Hour) or tremendous wackiness (A Fish Called Wanda), but worthwhile seeing if you don't mind some sentimentality (this is not "There's Something About Mary"). It's an original story with a few clever twists.

It's similar to "The Closer You Get" and "The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill, But Came Down a Mountain", other Irish comedies I recommend.

Who should see this film:

-- Those interested in Ireland

-- Comedy lovers who have a sentimental side, and don't need

car chases or witty put-downs to enjoy a film

I'll give "Waking Ned" a 7 out of 10.

A heartwarming gem

[HotToastyRag · 10/10 · 17 March 2018]

Filmed entirely on the beautiful Isle of Man, this perfect gem of a movie will make everyone who watches it want to book vacations to both the filmed location and Ireland, where it's supposed to take place. While this movie is absolutely hilarious and will have you laughing every minute from start to finish, it will also have you reaching for the Kleenex. If you're not Irish, you'll still love this movie because it's fantastic. If you are Irish-like yours truly-this movie will feel like another member of the family.

In the sleepy little village of Tully More, everyone is a fixture and adds so much to the personality of the town. Ian Bannen is a lovable scoundrel, David Kelly is sweet and easily influenced, Fionnula Flanigan is tough and typically Irish, Susan Lynch is mysterious, James Nesbitt has good intentions, Fintan McKeown is the resident ladies' man, Kitty Fitzgerald is the resident Southern belle, and Eileen Dromey is the villain. When Ian and David read in the newspaper that there's been a local lottery winner, they make it their mission to find out who it is-and it's the last person they suspect.

There are so many wonderful elements to this movie: the beautiful Irish scenery, the peppy Irish music, Kirk Jones's irresistible and quick script, and the realistic chemistry between the cast members. It's hard to believe the actors didn't spend their lives in the village growing old together. Ian Bannen and David Kelly enjoy a beautiful give-and-take relationship that could only have been cultivated through decades of friendship. This is much more than a movie about old folks, or a silly comedy as the trailer might make you believe. It's a heartwarming adventure that manages to maintain realism in a one-in-a-million storyline, and that in itself is another wonderful element.

This movie has a special place in my heart. When Ian grins and rubs his hands together, I see my grandpa. When Fionnula says, "Don't you shush me!" I hear my mom. Ian and David remind me of me and my best friend from childhood. In Kitty, I see myself and can only hope I remain as charming in my old age. Waking Ned Devine is a very special movie, one I hope you'll watch and love as much as I do.

Funny and refreshing

[Rammstein-2 · 7/10 · 26 June 2000]

This is the sort of film you really want to see a rainy day. It's very funny, and the entire setup is refreshing. The greedy but warm-hearted (bar one) inhabitants of this little village are realistic and the film is full of little everyday things that are both sad and hilarious at the same time. Take the poor pigfarming Finn, for example - he wants his woman so badly, and she wants him, but she won't have him because he smells of his pigs...

And as for the ending, well... I really wanted it to happen like that!

A truly wonderfully enjoyable movie that everyone will love!*!

[StarcomEnt · 10/10 · 14 February 2006]

I loved this film as has everyone in my family! Rarely does a film have such charm, humor, sense of place and wonderful ensemble performances. The spirit of Waking Ned Divine is at once uniquely Irish as it is universal. The joy of entering in to a community that is as insular as we imagine a small remote village to be and has the values of trust and loyalty to each other is completely heart-warming, and those one wishes everyone lived. Each character creates a memorable part of a thoroughly satisfying whole. Waking Ned Divine will be playing forever, but the sooner you see it the more enriched the rest of your life will be. My family and I love sharing art at its' highest level with all those who love and appreciate the same.

Almost completely charming

[JefSmith · 7/10 · 26 July 2001]

I enjoyed this movie almost completely, and I liked how the film made you root for something illegal to happen. The fact that the whole village was trying to defraud the Lottery Board didn't bother me, as it was presented in a very charming fashion. But near the end, when you're supposed to root for something very unpleasant to happen...well, that took me right out of it. I see that some of the other reviewers here loved that part--which says something about them and something about me, I guess. But it left me with a bad taste in my mouth and reduced what until then had been a very pleasurable experience to something less.

No comedy.

[mac_mcneil · 2/10 · 12 July 2001]

The story was fairly good, but more melodramatic than comedic. I had hoped to see a comedy, but was disappointed in it's lack of humor. I have spent some time in Ireland and have respect for the Irish ability to poke fun at themselves. This just wasn't a good example of Irish humor. Sorry