BEST IRELAND MOVIES
“The Quiet Man” (1952): The ultimate Ireland movie in the eyes of many, director John Ford’s classic stars John Wayne as a returnee to Ireland who’s determined to capture the heart of a lass (Maureen O’Hara) despite her brother’s (Victor McLaglen) interference. Turner Classic Movies presents the film as the second half of a St. Patrick’s Day double feature Sunday, March 17.
“Darby O’Gill and the Little People” (1959): This Disney treat may be best remembered for giving an early screen showcase to someone who would establish an iconic character several years later ... Sean Connery, pre-James Bond.
“Young Cassidy” (1965): Rod Taylor had one of his best roles as the younger incarnation of writer Sean O’Casey in this atmospheric drama, started by director John Ford but finished by Jack Cardiff. “Finian’s Rainbow” (1968): This Francis Ford Coppola-directed musical is loaded with the charm of Ireland, along with the tuneful work of Fred Astaire, Petula Clark and Tommy Steele.
“Ryan’s Daughter” (1970): Director David Lean makes full use of the location as said daughter (Sarah Miles) becomes involved with a British soldier (Christopher Jones).
“Barry Lyndon” (1975): Director Stanley Kubrick’s lengthy, scenic drama stars Ryan O’Neal as an Irishman who weds a widow (Marisa Berenson), seeking to succeed her late husband aristocratically.
“My Left Foot” (1989): Daniel Day-Lewis earned his first of three Oscars by playing Christy Brown, who overcame major physical challenges to make his mark artistically.
“Far and Away” (1992): Though the locale shifts to America, director Ron Howard’s vehicle for Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman captures the essence of turn-of-the-century Ireland quite effectively
early on. This is the first half of TCM’s St. Patrick’s Day double feature on March 17. “The Crying Game” (1992): Even these many years later, no one should give away the big twist of writer-director Neil Jordan’s drama about an IRA member’s (Stephen Rea) relationship that has a background in tragedy. “In the Name of the Father” (1993):
Daniel Day-Lewis plays a Belfast resident who insists he’s innocent of a bombing in England that caused several fatalities. “Michael Collins” (1996): Liam Neeson has the title role of the revolutionary who led forces against the British.
“Waking Ned Devine” (1998): A lottery winner’s death sets off a wild competition among his closest friends to claim the money.
“Angela’s Ashes” (1999): Based on Frank McCourt’s autobiography, this drama recalls his childhood, with Emily Watson and Robert Carlyle as his parents.