The 10 Best Irish Films

Irish film has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, pushing Irish films, writers, actors and directors to the forefront of international filmmaking. There is no one description that can be applied to Irish films; each one is unique in theme and content. The best Irish films are not only high in quality, but they also capture some aspect of the spirit of Ireland and the Irish people.

The Best Irish Films: #10. The Field (1990) Based on a play written by Irish playwright John B. Keane, The Field tells the story of a farmer (played by Richard Harris, who was nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal of Bull McCabe) faced with the prospect of losing his land. This film is one of four on the list directed by Jim Sheridan.

The Best Irish Films: # 9. Once (2007) Perhaps better known to American audiences for its gorgeous soundtrack than its plot, Once was a surprise hit in 2007. Though it was only shot for about $160,000, Once still managed to be an ambitious and moving musical. Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová play the unnamed leads in the film.

The Best Irish Films: # 8. Bloody Sunday (2002) Unlike the other films on this list, Bloody Sunday was a television film, which later opened in theaters. As its name suggests, Bloody Sunday is an account of Northern Ireland's "Bloody Sunday" shooting in 1972. Bloody Sunday is directed by Paul Greengrass, who is best known for directing the Bourne films.

The Best Irish Films: # 7. The Quiet Man (1952) John Ford's film, The Quiet Man, stars John Wayne (in a departure from his normal roles, and in what some say is his best role) and Maureen O'Hara. In this film, Wayne's character is an Irish-American who returns home to claim his family land. The Quiet Man contains some of the most breathtaking scenes of the Irish landscape on film.

The Best Irish Films: # 6. In America (2002) Though not set in Ireland, In America tells the story of recent Irish immigrants to New York. This film (also directed by Jim Sheridan) opened to critical praise, both for its writing and its depiction of urban poverty.

The Best Irish Films: # 5. The Crying Game (1992) For a time in the early 90's it seemed that all audiences could talk about was this Irish thriller and its twist midway through. Underneath that hype, however, is a brilliant story of one man involved in the IRA. The Crying Game stars Stephen Rea, and was written and directed by Neil Jordan.

The Best Irish Films: # 4. The Magdalene Sisters (2003) The Magdalene Sisters is definitely not the most uplifting film on this list. Though it can be a downright brutal film to watch at some points, The Magdalene Sisters is a moving and thoughtful film about "fallen" women (in 1964) who were forced to spend their lives doing labor in the Magdalene Asylums or Laundries. The MagdaleneSisters made many critics' "top ten" lists in 2003.

The Best Irish Films: # 3. My Left Foot (1989) My Left Foot stars Daniel Day-Lewis (in a career-making role, which won him the Academy Award for best actor) as Christy Brown, an Irish writer and painter who, due to cerebral palsy, only has control of his foot. My Left Foot could easily have been overwrought or hokey, but was instead a moving and understated movie. My Left Foot was directed by Jim Sheridan.

The Best Irish Films: # 2. The Commitments (1991) Considered by many film and music lovers to be among Ireland's greatest films, The Commitments tells the story of a group of unemployed Dubliners who form a soul band. Many of the actors and musicians who starred in The Commitments gained a great deal of notoriety after the film was released.

The Best Irish Films: # 1. In the Name of the Father (1993) Yet another film starring Daniel Day-Lewis and directed by Jim Sheridan, In the Name of the Father focuses on the "Guilford Four," four people who were falsely accused of the Guilford pub bombing. In the Name of the Father was nominated for countless awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Sources:

IMDB. IMDB.com