Saint Patrick’s Day is nearly here. For many Irish (and non-Irish), this cultural and religious celebration of the foremost patron saint of Ireland is a day to break out the Jameson, Guinness, the ham & cabbage recipes, and to wear that glorious green. If we’re not parading, pubbing, bagpiping, or singing Whiskey in the Jar, what better way is there to celebrate the Emerald Isle than with cinema. Which brings us to Reel Speak’s Top 10 Best Films to Watch on St. Patrick’s Day.
Cinema has treated the Irish very well over the last hundred years. The many myths and legends are prime material, and the country itself is gorgeous and ripe for stunning backdrops. The country has a long history of conflict, war, rebellion…along with immigration to the United States. The films selected for this list are the ones that capture the beauty of the country and its people, while re-telling the many stories it has to offer. Reel Speak recognizes that international cinema is a large world to explore, and there will no doubt be some oversight here. These are the films that this humble Blogger is aware of, and can offer an honest opinion.
So let’s go green…
10. THE SECRET OF ROAN INISH (1994)
Irish myths and legends clash with reality in this John Sayles-directed fantasy. A young girl chases down the mythical selkies; seals that can shed their skin to become human…in an effort to find her lost baby brother. Beautifully shot in Ireland, this often-overlooked gem is saturated in Irish myth while staying close to its characters…and it’s native setting gives the fantastical elements a grounding that makes it all feel very real.
9. LEPRECHAUN (1993)
Warwick Davis plays a vengeful leprechaun in this horror/comedy that has spawned six sequels and has found a home on many people’s St. Patrick’s Day playlists. Critically slammed on release, it has since found a cult-following…and hey, horror-fans need something to watch on the holiday too.
8. FINIAN’S RAINBOW (1968)
Singing and dancing legend Fred Astaire plays a lovable rouge who is being chased down by a leprechaun for stealing a pot of gold. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on the 1947 musical, FINIAN’S RAINBOW is campy and funny…and embraces the silliness of it all.
7. BROOKLYN (2015)
Irish actress Saoirse Ronan was nominated for an Oscar for her performance as an Irish immigrant in 1951 Brooklyn. Irish immigrants go through a lot once they hit the States; ranging from crime, poverty, to becoming the hands that built America. BROOKLYN stays more on the intimate side, following Saoirse’s character as she eventually has to choose between her homeland and her new home; a decision that we can imagine was put upon all of our Irish ancestors.
6. THE SECRET OF KELLS (2010)
This animated fantasy nearly beat out Pixar’s UP for Best Animated Feature at the 83rd Oscars. Set in 9th century Ireland and drawing upon Celtic mythology, THE SECRET OF KELLS follows a young man who turns to magic to help thwart a pending Viking invasion. Put together by gorgeous animation and backed by strong mythology, the film was the first in a successful trilogy.
5. THE WIND THAT SHAKES THE BARLEY (2006)
Cillian Murphy plays one of two brothers who join the IRA to fight for Irish independence from 1919 to 1923. Acclaimed director Ken Loach directed this war drama that was heralded on release, and has gained even more respect over a decade later. Gritty and grounded, and shows the many complications and ugliness of a revolution. A beautiful film that provokes a lot of thought.
4. IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER (1993)
In this true story, Daniel Day-Lewis plays Gerry Conlon, one of four people falsely accused of the 1974 bombings in England. Films about the Irish Republican Army (IRA), and their fight for independence have been everywhere, but this one stands out thanks to Jim Sheridan’s sharp direction and another commanding performance by Day-Lewis.
3. MICHAEL COLLINS (1996)
Irish actor Liam Neeson upped his game in the title role as the real-life Irish revolutionary. Collins was the man who practically invented a form of warfare that would inspire revolutionary struggles for decades, and shows the lengths that a dedicated Irishman would take to earn freedom.
2. THE QUIET MAN (1952)
John Wayne plays an Irish-born, retired boxer who journeys back to his homeland in this John Ford-classic that has become synonymous with the holiday. Also starring Maureen O’Hara, THE QUIET MAN is known for its gorgeous photography of the Ireland countryside, which earned Ford his fourth Academy Award for Best Director. The film was the inspiration for The Quiet Man Society; a group known for celebrating their Irish heritage.
1. DARBY O’GILL AND THE LITTLE PEOPLE (1959)
Albert Sharpe plays Darby in this Walt Disney film packed with leprechauns, banshees, and mystical trickery. A fantasy and romance inspired by old Gaelic tales, the atmosphere and Irish music are pitch-perfect for the holiday and for family viewing, and old-time cinephile’s will be tickled to see a pre-Bond Sean Connery pop in. When Disney launched their streaming service, DARBY O’GILL was one of the first films people rediscovered. This is a pot of gold waiting to be found by more.
REEL SPEAK'S TOP 10 BEST FILMS TO WATCH ON ST. PATRICK'S DAY
- DARBY O'GILL AND THE LITTLE PEOPLE
- THE QUIET MAN
- MICHAEL COLLINS
- IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER
- THE WIND THAT SHAKES THE BARLEY
- THE SECRET OF KELLS
- BROOKLYN
- FINIAN'S RAINBOW
- LEPRECHAUN
- THE SECRET OF ROAN INISH
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