1. Darby O'Gill and the Little People (1959) - One for the kids
One of my favourite childhood film's my dad and I would watch this once a year as far back as I can remember. Darby O'Gill is funny, adventurous and endearing, it's a well written story based around old folklore stories of the 'little people' or leprechauns. The story follows an old man Derby O'Gill (Albert Sharpe), who loses his job to a younger more able man in the form of a very young and handsome Micheal McBride (Sean Connery). Derby O'Gill though a succession of events ends up in a series of escapades with the little people that live in the mountain near his home. It is a classic early live action Disney movie filled with heart and music.
2. Waking Ned (1998) - One for the Grandparents
Another Picture I am slightly biased over is as it was filmed where I grew up. Waking Ned, was also released under the title Waking Ned Devine. A comedy set in Ireland where and elderly man dies of shock when he win's the Irish lottery. We follow his closest friends as they try to hide his death from the lottery officials in an attempt to claim the prize. It's hilariously funny and cheeky one the whole family could sit down and have a giggle at.
3. Angela's Ashes (1999) - One for the literary types
A memoir of Frank McCourt, the picture is a powerful dramatisation of the best selling book of the same name. Alan Parker's visualisation is gritty and true, a real and visceral depiction of life for Irish families in the 1930's. We follow the McCourt's from Frank's perspective who are living as Irish Ex-pats in America and follow the trials and tribulations as the find themselves back in Ireland. With a really strong casting in the roles of Angela (Emily Watson) and Malachy (Robert Carlyle) this true story shows the harsh nature of living in Ireland pre-war.
4. Michael Collins (1996) - One for if you are in the mood for a political drama
Based on true events this is the life and death of Irish political activist Michael Collins in the 1920's. The film follows the establishment of the Irish Free State and the IRA, a true life drama with such a detailed interpretation of the events and violence in Ireland at the time, it deals with the delicate subject matter with repect and no bias. The picture is supported by a powerhouse cast with Liam Neeson as Collins, other cast members consist of Julia Roberts, Aidan Quinn, Alan Rickman and Stephen Rea.
5. My Left Foot (1989) - One for the Artists
A movie which gave Daniel Day-Lewis his first of many best actor Oscars is life affirming and honest. Day-Lewis plays Christy Brown who has cerebral palsy, though assumed to be intellectually challenged in early life. It is through the perseverance of Christy's mother that Christy learns to paint and write to an exceptional standard through his only controllable limb, his left foot.
6. P.S. I Love You (2007) - One for the romantics out there
I am pretty sure this is probably watched by many on valentine's day, it is cringe-worthiness and soppy yet a total guilty pleasure to watch. Hilary Swank plays a young widow who's husband's letter's are delivered to her after he passed away.....I don't really know why I started writing the plot because let's face it you've probably already watched it and if you haven't you certainly have heard of it, as many a housewife fantasy Gerard Butler plays the deceased husband. I'm pretty sure this us the movie that made Butler a heart-throb. So if you feel inclined to watch this on St. Patrick's go for it! No Judgement!
7. Breakfast on Pluto (2005) - One for the LGBT community
We watch Cillian Murphy prove yet again that he is possibly the most versatile Irish actor out there. Set in the 70's Murphy plays a transsexual woman Kitten. This is a comedy that deal's with real issues, being a trans woman in Ireland was difficult, with limited social acceptance at the time along with brushes with the IRA. Kitten is also looking for her mother, when she finds herself in London, the chaos continues. Breakfast On Pluto is funny yet touching, Neil Jordan's picture is the second movie to grace this list having also written Michael Collins.
8. Leprechaun (1993) - One for the horror fans
Well I say horror, I think comedy-horror is more accurate. I couldn't resist putting this in the list as a little relief from the collection of political dramas on this list. Not one of Jennifer Aniston's finest moments but definitely a memorable one. Worth a watch for the creepy make-up creature-feature and some fun.
9. Veronica Guerin (2003) - One for the criminal minds
Another 'based on a true story', this time about journalist Veronica Guerin played by Cate Blanchett. Guerin writes a series of exposé about drug dealers in Ireland in 1996. Blanchett as per usual is excellent, she really is a flawless actress. Though this picture is a little 'Americanised' (sorry my american friends!) they are true to the woman she was.
10. Frank (2014) - One for the music fans
One of the of the best movies of 2014 - Just go watch.
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