A makeshift soul band made up of Irish hooligans attempts to land
a gig in the heart of Dublin, if they don't tear each other apart first. COMEDY
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The Commitments (1991)Directed by Alan Parker
Written by Dick Clement, Ian La Frenais, Roddy Doyle Starring Robert Arkins, Michael Aherne, Angeline Ball, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Andrew Strong, Glen Hansard, Bronagh Gallagher, Johnny Murphy, Dave Finnegan, Félim Gormley, Ken McCluskey Based on the novel by Roddy Doyle Oscar Nominations - Best Film Editing |
The Commitments is a heartfelt look at the musical side of Dublin, Ireland, as well as the hilarious antics people seem to get into on a daily basis. This film focuses on a group of unemployed people who form a soul band that slowly takes over the club scene, while the band itself starts to tear itself apart. Alan Parker used relatively unknown young Irish actors to play the musicians of The Commitments, and it really helps me believe the music.
Even though they're all pretty much self-absorbed narcissistic jackasses, the actors all play off of each other really well to craft a great ensemble of Dubliners who just want to make soulful music. The film uses the inherent heart of Ireland to drive the movie, while also using the music of the best of the best to make some awesome concert scenes. Though the end of the movie is really bittersweet, the journey that The Commitments take is a helluva ride. The Commitments feels like a film that should be heavily dated, but somehow it isn't. It's still a quick glance at the muddled state of the inner city of Dublin and how music can transform a group of hooligans into the self-proclaimed "Saviors of Soul." It's a very entertaining movie with an equally great soundtrack. I can't think of anybody who wouldn't find something to like about it. |