Im actually writing this before I even finish watching the film, the last 30 minutes can't save it. The acting is woeful across the board. The Irish accents are the worst i have ever heard (and there have been plenty of really bad attempts). Vinnie Jones' accent tops this particular critique. The stereotypes about Irish travellers are criminal. As other reviewers have already mentioned, I concur that it is amazing that this film made it to post-production. It brings a new meaning to the word "cliché". Im simply amazed how this received any good reviews. I believe 1 reviewer noted that it would make you want to visit Ireland ...... Im Irish, I've travelled every county and every corner of it, this does not represent Ireland in any way, and I would hope people would not visit here as a result of this film, those who would need their heads examined!
... View MoreThis film is rubbish. Lazy, join the dots 'storytelling'. It purports to be about Ireland but unless you believe that Darby O'Gill lives with the little people there is no credibility whatsoever; could have been made 50 years ago and even then would have been crap.There is no attempt to address Ireland in the noughties, the Celtic Tiger, the boom, the me culture, immigration or whatever. Just another Oirish pastiche for some gullible Americans - who must be sick of this rubbish as well.How this film got made mystifies me but perhaps therein lies a more interesting story.I'm from Cork so no 'anti Cork' bias stuff please..This movie is the worst tripe I've seen in years and makes me embarrassed to be Irish and a Corkonian.Avoid, avoid, avoid.
... View MoreWe just went to see this movie tonight and i was blown away by the whole production, the story was very true to life, the performances were outstanding especially by Vinnie Jones who plays Smasher O'Driscoll, Michael Madsen as Sean Kelleher, Gail Fitzpatrick as Mammy Mc Grath, Michael Rawley as Chaser and Luke Whelton as Mickey Kelleher. It was so refreshing to see Michael Madsen play the good guy as Mickeys father as opposed to his usual hard-guy roles. Vinnie Jones was made for his part as Smasher O' Driscoll and reminded me of Brad Pitt in Snatch. Strength and Honour was both humorous and emotional with electric bare knuckle fight scenes. it gave an excellent insight into the travelling community and their way of life. The music was incredible also not to mention the beautiful Irish scenery. Definitely one to go and view for yourself over the holiday season. A feel good movie with a punch.
... View MoreThere are so many negative reviews surrounding this film but overall, I myself actually enjoyed it. That being said, however, this film is clearly not without its flaws and the storyline & general pace lacks consistency. Other major problems I had with this film include the most obvious; appalling Irish accents displayed by Michael Madsen & Richard Chamberlain, Madsen's melodramatic overly brooding portrayal of his character who I feel is undeserving of any best actor award based on this performance, Chamberlain's unbelievable performance as an Irish boxing trainer (way too much enthusiasm displayed here). Other flaws included incorrect & mixed itinerant accents displayed by most of the travelers (Rawley could have done without mentioning the cliché term "boss" in every other sentence), a very inaccurate and clichéd outlook on travelers in general (which I felt the writer/director could have researched a bit more) & a lack of build up or explanation to any major event in this film (it all felt a bit too much thrown into my lap).However, all this being said I do consider this a very passionate and vast attempt by a first time writer/director and do respect that he managed to get Madsen, Chamberlain, Bergin & Jones on board for this. Vinnie Jones also delivers a much needed energetic villainous performance displaying a more than adequate accent, although maybe a bit too reminiscent of Brad Pitt's Mickey character in Guy Ritichie's "Snatch". Rawley was also great and more believable in his role than a lot others, a definite newcomer to watch out for. Maybe I'm a bit too critical of this film because I'm a Corkonian, have a boxing background or am of traveler origin myself so it may be a lot easier to nit pick instead of judging this film from an entertainment value alone perspective. But I'm sure they'll really enjoy this one in the States!
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