Ireland: The Pre-Screening

Far and Away

My vision of Ireland has been shaped almost entirely by film. And it all started when I was 13.

At the time I had no idea what the Irish Land War was -
I just knew that these two amazing actors with exotic accents were off on an adventure to the new world - but with age comes knowledge.

In 1893, the time in which the movie was set, Ireland was in the midst of a long period of civil unrest. England had been attempting to control and contain Ireland for over two centuries and by the late 19th century the Irish had had enough. The people wanted to own the land that they labored on and to profit from that labor accordingly. But as it stood, the English were keeping any profit and charging the Irish rent on the land to boot. I understand now why Tom Cruise's character was so captivated and driven by the "free land" that was being handed out just across the ocean. Perhaps it's time I rewatch that movie...


I’ve seen many films about Ireland and the Irish since, and here is what they've told me:

• The Irish are passionate. (Boondock Saints)

• The Irish are fighters. (The Devil’s Own)

• The Irish are kind. (Circle of Friends)

• The Irish are resilient. (Rory O’Shea Was Here)

• The Irish won't back down. (Gangs of New York)
• The scenery will be either a gritty, weathered city or beautiful, rolling countryside - there is no in-between.

Will the Irish and Ireland be anything like the people and places I’ve seen on screen all my life? I hope so. But preferably with fewer weapons.

What about you? Have you seen any good Irish-themed movies lately?