Great to see Karen Allen again, and Peter Riegert and Stephen Lang! Such good actors. This is a smallish, low-budget, independent film, but the it is carried by a good cast, younger actors included. Nick Thurston manages to avoid hackneyed playing of familiar family dynamics, making his moments very specific to the character of Brian, who emerges as definitely the hero of the story. Both Geoffrey Wigdor and Leslie Murphy efficiently and movingly convey the writer-director's idea of trapped people trying to escape their environment in different ways with varying outcomes. Personally, my favorite parts involved 1) the location in Suffern New York: the old Lafayette revival theater (playing itself!), and 2) the scripting of the final exchange between two of the characters; it was just what I wanted to see happen.
34 Reviews
Ouch.
jamfitz00125 May 2012
I graduated High School in 1976. I grew up in Bay Ridge/Sunset Park. I am Irish. My father was a drunk. My hobby is painting. The opening shots of the Bridge and then a pan of OLPH hit a cord with anyone who knows the area.
I wanted to like this movie a lot. It was brought down by a kind of predictable plot and predictable characters. It was brought up by some great (but uneven) acting and the way that Bay Ridge itself becomes a character in the film.
In a bigger movie, Karen Allen might have gotten an Oscar nod for her performance as a good-hearted, long-suffering, worn down Mother. Leslie Murphy totally nails her part as a Brooklyn girl. Less successful are the male leads. Steven Lang overplays the stereotype tough working class drunkard dad. Geoffrey Wigdor channeled a little too much Fonzie/Adam Dice Clay into his characterization of a Brooklyn Punk. Nick Thurston is endearing as a somewhat wide-eyed caught in a moment I can't get out of Catholic School boy wanna' be artist whose life is made difficult by the people around him for no real explainable reason. But he doesn't even try for a Brooklyn accent, and that strikes me as a little out of place.
But the bar/party scenes, the neighborhood, the stoops and corners are the authentic feel of Bay Ridge, although, in its entirety it is a much nicer more hopeful place than shown (although the 70's were it's low point). There are a lot of small moments in this movie that ring true. When Brian opens Danny's notebook that is a real punch in the gut. Two young guys sitting on a stoop talking...dead on Brooklyn, there. The idea that people would run naked through Greenwood Cemetery (one of the most famous busiest cemeteries in the country, which is crossed with roads) didn't make a whole lot of sense to me.
Overall, I would recommend this movie for the acting and the little things that it got right, although you have to overlook some senseless derivative plot elements to enjoy it.
I wanted to like this movie a lot. It was brought down by a kind of predictable plot and predictable characters. It was brought up by some great (but uneven) acting and the way that Bay Ridge itself becomes a character in the film.
In a bigger movie, Karen Allen might have gotten an Oscar nod for her performance as a good-hearted, long-suffering, worn down Mother. Leslie Murphy totally nails her part as a Brooklyn girl. Less successful are the male leads. Steven Lang overplays the stereotype tough working class drunkard dad. Geoffrey Wigdor channeled a little too much Fonzie/Adam Dice Clay into his characterization of a Brooklyn Punk. Nick Thurston is endearing as a somewhat wide-eyed caught in a moment I can't get out of Catholic School boy wanna' be artist whose life is made difficult by the people around him for no real explainable reason. But he doesn't even try for a Brooklyn accent, and that strikes me as a little out of place.
But the bar/party scenes, the neighborhood, the stoops and corners are the authentic feel of Bay Ridge, although, in its entirety it is a much nicer more hopeful place than shown (although the 70's were it's low point). There are a lot of small moments in this movie that ring true. When Brian opens Danny's notebook that is a real punch in the gut. Two young guys sitting on a stoop talking...dead on Brooklyn, there. The idea that people would run naked through Greenwood Cemetery (one of the most famous busiest cemeteries in the country, which is crossed with roads) didn't make a whole lot of sense to me.
Overall, I would recommend this movie for the acting and the little things that it got right, although you have to overlook some senseless derivative plot elements to enjoy it.
Not perfect but still good
junsa515010 January 2019
There were times where this movie was a little bit predictable and a little bit slow, but I still liked it. I especially enjoyed the interaction between Danny and Shauna. It seemed both genuine and touching. Some of the other acting seemed a slightly wooden at times, but when viewed as a whole and not picked apart piece by piece it was still a good movie.
A Tremendous film.
Irish36520 April 2010
I was invited to an advanced screening of White Irish Drinkers with no expectations of the film, and I must say I was truly impressed.
From the acting of Steven Lang, who, as always - was extraordinary, to the under-appreciated Karen Allen in one of her best roles. And finally to Nick Thurston who delivered a strong, measured performance that anchors the story.
In addition, Seamus Tierney provided some exceptional cinematography shot on location in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn - rarely seen on film since Saturday Night Fever in 1977, which coincidentally is the roughly the year when Drinkers is set.
But it is the director/writer/producer John Gray who's long career of solid work has served him well in bringing this powerful story to life.
From the acting of Steven Lang, who, as always - was extraordinary, to the under-appreciated Karen Allen in one of her best roles. And finally to Nick Thurston who delivered a strong, measured performance that anchors the story.
In addition, Seamus Tierney provided some exceptional cinematography shot on location in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn - rarely seen on film since Saturday Night Fever in 1977, which coincidentally is the roughly the year when Drinkers is set.
But it is the director/writer/producer John Gray who's long career of solid work has served him well in bringing this powerful story to life.
Never trust the critics!
Hellmant11 August 2011
'WHITE IRISH DRINKERS': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)
This is one of those low budget indie films that audiences loved but critics hated. The attention the movie did receive at festivals and other screenings was that of applause and overwhelming approval where as critics mostly trashed the film for being 'overly clichéd'. This is yet another example of what appears to be the system trying to keep everything in it's place. Like any other business Hollywood is ran by corporations and the money makers decide how things go. A large percentage of critics are most likely paid off and untrustworthy. This is a quality film, not a great one but it's definitely a decent well made movie. It does have it's fair share of clichés but so do most films of this genre. The story revolves around an 18 year old aspiring artist in 1975's Brooklyn, who's brother has resorted to crime and friends have turned to taking soul crushing working class jobs. He's ready to move on but doesn't know which way to go. The film was written and directed by veteran TV filmmaker John Gray. The story could have easily been developed into a popular TV movie of the week but Gray adds a nice touch to it that definitely makes it stand out from the rest of it's type.
The film stars Nick Thurston as the wantabe painter. He lives with his mother Margaret (Karen Allen) and father Paddy (Stephen Lang) and practices his art in the basement beneath their apartment, keeping it a secret from everyone but his big brother Danny (Geoff Wigdor). Danny has always taken the beatings of their abusive alcoholic father while Paddy has never laid a hand on Nick. Nick tries to stay away from Danny's criminal plans but he also doesn't want to end up like his soon to be blue-collar friends or his buddy Todd (Zachary Booth), who took a college scholarship (which was unheard of in his neighborhood). He works for a local theater helping the owner, Whitey (Peter Riegert), book local bands. When Whitey books the Rolling Stones for a one hour gig on their way through town it seems like the theater's income problems could be over. Then Brian feels influenced into helping Danny rob the show's loot. He has to deal with tough family love, deciding what he wants to do with his life as well as a possible romance with an old high school crush (Leslie Murphy).
The film is somewhat routine and clichéd but it's involving none the less. The actors are great, especially Thurston and Wigdor (who bears a striking resemblance to Ben Affleck). The more well known supporting players are great as well, especially Lang. It's nice to see Allen and Riegert in another movie together as well (after playing love birds in 'ANIMAL HOUSE' so many years ago, although they don't have any screen time together in this). Gray's writing could use a little polishing maybe but his directing is right on target. He and his cast really make this movie something special, despite it's clichés and somewhat overplayed storyline. It's a fun little character study. Nothing spectacular but I can see why it's a crowd-pleaser and it's not nearly as bad as the critics make it out to be. Never trust the critics.
Watch our review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rzBIHq5e3E
This is one of those low budget indie films that audiences loved but critics hated. The attention the movie did receive at festivals and other screenings was that of applause and overwhelming approval where as critics mostly trashed the film for being 'overly clichéd'. This is yet another example of what appears to be the system trying to keep everything in it's place. Like any other business Hollywood is ran by corporations and the money makers decide how things go. A large percentage of critics are most likely paid off and untrustworthy. This is a quality film, not a great one but it's definitely a decent well made movie. It does have it's fair share of clichés but so do most films of this genre. The story revolves around an 18 year old aspiring artist in 1975's Brooklyn, who's brother has resorted to crime and friends have turned to taking soul crushing working class jobs. He's ready to move on but doesn't know which way to go. The film was written and directed by veteran TV filmmaker John Gray. The story could have easily been developed into a popular TV movie of the week but Gray adds a nice touch to it that definitely makes it stand out from the rest of it's type.
The film stars Nick Thurston as the wantabe painter. He lives with his mother Margaret (Karen Allen) and father Paddy (Stephen Lang) and practices his art in the basement beneath their apartment, keeping it a secret from everyone but his big brother Danny (Geoff Wigdor). Danny has always taken the beatings of their abusive alcoholic father while Paddy has never laid a hand on Nick. Nick tries to stay away from Danny's criminal plans but he also doesn't want to end up like his soon to be blue-collar friends or his buddy Todd (Zachary Booth), who took a college scholarship (which was unheard of in his neighborhood). He works for a local theater helping the owner, Whitey (Peter Riegert), book local bands. When Whitey books the Rolling Stones for a one hour gig on their way through town it seems like the theater's income problems could be over. Then Brian feels influenced into helping Danny rob the show's loot. He has to deal with tough family love, deciding what he wants to do with his life as well as a possible romance with an old high school crush (Leslie Murphy).
The film is somewhat routine and clichéd but it's involving none the less. The actors are great, especially Thurston and Wigdor (who bears a striking resemblance to Ben Affleck). The more well known supporting players are great as well, especially Lang. It's nice to see Allen and Riegert in another movie together as well (after playing love birds in 'ANIMAL HOUSE' so many years ago, although they don't have any screen time together in this). Gray's writing could use a little polishing maybe but his directing is right on target. He and his cast really make this movie something special, despite it's clichés and somewhat overplayed storyline. It's a fun little character study. Nothing spectacular but I can see why it's a crowd-pleaser and it's not nearly as bad as the critics make it out to be. Never trust the critics.
Watch our review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rzBIHq5e3E
A classic example of a very OK movie made much better by the ending. Very powerful ending that's worth watching. I say B
cosmo_tiger9 July 2011
"I wish I could be like you...no matter how hard I try I'm never gonna be like you...and your always gonna hate me for that." Brian (Thurston) and his brother Danny are looking for a way out of Brooklyn. Brian's ambition is to become and artist and go to school. Danny is a tough guy who thinks the best way is to rob and steal until he has enough to leave with. After the Rolling Stones are booked for one night only at the theater where Brian works they think they have found a way to get the money they need to leave. This is the kind of movie that is made better by the ending. While the movie is pretty good all the way through, the acting is good enough and the plot is engaging to keep you watching. The only problem is that the whole time you feel like there is something missing that would make this movie better. Then the last 20 min you find out what it is. This movie is good, but the ending will knock you on your ass and make you glad you continued to watch. Overall, pretty slow moving in parts, but stay till the end and you will be glad you did. A very good one time watch. Because of how powerful the ending was...I give it a B.
Would I watch again? - I don't think I would *Also try - Con Artist
Would I watch again? - I don't think I would *Also try - Con Artist
Great Movie, Wonderful Acting and Writing
crcauthen7 November 2010
This is an incredibly good movie, the kind they don't seem to make anymore, with a pretty simple, straightforward conflict, amazingly good acting and writing, and it evokes a time and place (Brooklyn 1977) perfectly.
At the top of a long list of very good performances are Stephen Lang as the alcoholic father, Karen Allen as the stoic but deeply-loving mother, the amazing Nick Thurston (who I had not heard of before) as the son, and Leslie Murphy as his love interest.
In smaller roles Peter Reigert and Geoffrey Wigdor are extremely good.
John Gray's script and direction are extremely moving without being overblown or showy.
This movie is very emotionally honest. It clearly was a labor of love for everybody involved.
Lots of movies seem to me to be overly clever and self-regarding, throwing curve ball after curve ball at you while they're looking in the mirror smirking. This movie is a fastball right over the plate.
At the top of a long list of very good performances are Stephen Lang as the alcoholic father, Karen Allen as the stoic but deeply-loving mother, the amazing Nick Thurston (who I had not heard of before) as the son, and Leslie Murphy as his love interest.
In smaller roles Peter Reigert and Geoffrey Wigdor are extremely good.
John Gray's script and direction are extremely moving without being overblown or showy.
This movie is very emotionally honest. It clearly was a labor of love for everybody involved.
Lots of movies seem to me to be overly clever and self-regarding, throwing curve ball after curve ball at you while they're looking in the mirror smirking. This movie is a fastball right over the plate.
The story of our lives
karamlinda1 September 2010
(I wanted to give 9.5 because almost nothing is a 10, but fractions are not allowed ...)
Invited by a friend of a friend, I saw a preview and was prepared to politely praise the film even if I didn't like it. But I was surprised. This film is sincere, unpretentious, extremely well written and well acted. The story captured my interest from beginning to end. High marks go to all of the actors -- Karen Allen, Peter Riegert, Nick Thurston at an existential crossroads, Geoffrey Wigdor as his older brother who is already lost to the streets, and especially Stephen Lang (the baddie from Avatar), a formidable actor who digs his fingers into your heart. I saw grown men in our audience surreptitiously wiping their eyes!
I don't know much about film-making, but I know what holds me. Whatever the makers did, they did right. Good luck!
Invited by a friend of a friend, I saw a preview and was prepared to politely praise the film even if I didn't like it. But I was surprised. This film is sincere, unpretentious, extremely well written and well acted. The story captured my interest from beginning to end. High marks go to all of the actors -- Karen Allen, Peter Riegert, Nick Thurston at an existential crossroads, Geoffrey Wigdor as his older brother who is already lost to the streets, and especially Stephen Lang (the baddie from Avatar), a formidable actor who digs his fingers into your heart. I saw grown men in our audience surreptitiously wiping their eyes!
I don't know much about film-making, but I know what holds me. Whatever the makers did, they did right. Good luck!
long boring and slow
random4ever10 July 2011
there is nothing much to say about this film, 30 minutes of this feels like an hour, if your into that then this movie is for you. its 1975 and everything is retro in this movie. bars, fights, petty crime, the love interest, family troubles, all the standard stuff you expect in this film like this. a small thing here and there to keep you on your toes and a shock and the movies over. don't expect much, there are better movies to wast your time on then this one. i don't think they actually skimped its the fact that you can't do much with what they had to work with. the castings not bad, the script could of used a little tweaking. it comes short on all things. watch CSPAN or something if your that bored, this one is not that good
White Irish Drinkers-Brilliant film, brilliant writing!
phudson9387 November 2010
Nick Thurston was brilliant as the young, struggling artist. However, it was the writing that made him, as well as the rest of the film so convincing. As an artist (and teacher of young artists), I was impressed with the authenticity of the dialog, the astonishingly beautiful art direction and all the skilled nuances that brought the Brian Leary character to life.It was a spellbinding, compassionate portrait of a creative soul as much as it was a gritty tale of coming of age. I also found the film visually compelling and powerful-which all points back brilliant writing. Kudos to John Gray. Not for nothing, the closing scenes and the powerful gifts of Stephen Lang were spectacularly effective. I can't remember the last time (if ever) a film made me stand up, cheer and pump my fit at the end! I do hope this film receives the broad audience and recognition it and its creators so richly deserve.
Really
Sjohnnieenanita15 June 2013
Poor acting. No emotion in any of the characters. Not a single Irish feeling apart from the opening and ending score.
I zoned out after about 30 Min's left it playing on the background in the hope i might find something that i can agree with like many people on IMDb said.
But alas there was nothing noteworthy or even mildly memorable about this poorly performed flick. So if you are really really bored and are contemplating on watching this movie just to kill some time then my answer to you is go and clean the toilet or wash your car hell wash anybodies car or toilet just don't watch this. What ever you do.
I zoned out after about 30 Min's left it playing on the background in the hope i might find something that i can agree with like many people on IMDb said.
But alas there was nothing noteworthy or even mildly memorable about this poorly performed flick. So if you are really really bored and are contemplating on watching this movie just to kill some time then my answer to you is go and clean the toilet or wash your car hell wash anybodies car or toilet just don't watch this. What ever you do.
Gritty but humane and funny movie
pjjohnson-970-4139477 February 2011
Went because Karen Allen is a neighbor to a special screening on a nasty night for weather. So glad that I did. This is a very honest movie that is realistic and avoids stereotypes of a blue collar neighborhood. Shows local pride and strong bonds coupled with distrust of those who aspire to something different from the norm. Some violence (not extreme)is shown for what it is and not glamorized.
Many nuanced performances, including all the leading character. Lots of humor and warmth. And in addition to the excellent characterization, authentic depiction of the 1970s and good sense of local color, there is a strong story line. A real pleasure to see a technically and artistically excellent and honestly crafted piece of work.
Many nuanced performances, including all the leading character. Lots of humor and warmth. And in addition to the excellent characterization, authentic depiction of the 1970s and good sense of local color, there is a strong story line. A real pleasure to see a technically and artistically excellent and honestly crafted piece of work.
Well crafted drama that tests the power of loyalty in a struggling Brooklyn family
bss0929 March 2011
I'm drawn to movies that deal with families that are not as picture perfect as Hollywood movies normally depict them to be. White Irish Drinkers reveals the dark side of an alcoholic, dehumanized father, a mother who is trapped in an abusive marriage, and two coming-of-age brothers who are forced find their own way to escape their bleak futures---- at whatever cost.
For a film marketed around the line "Blood is thicket than Brooklyn" -- it's an honest and heartwarming independent. It's a genuine story that tests the power of loyalty in the middle of crime-infested Brooklyn.. White Irish Drinkers is definitely one of those movies that puts everything into perspective.
For a film marketed around the line "Blood is thicket than Brooklyn" -- it's an honest and heartwarming independent. It's a genuine story that tests the power of loyalty in the middle of crime-infested Brooklyn.. White Irish Drinkers is definitely one of those movies that puts everything into perspective.
Progressively gets better and better.
WilsonWalrus26 July 2011
At the beginning of this movie, I had a bit of a negative predisposition towards it. However, the longer I watched it, the more I became emotionally involved (I'm not someone who typically cries during movies; I'll occasionally tear up, but nothing like this). The characters develop, the plot improves, everything about it just gets better. This movie is definitely under appreciated by critics and the people who have given it low scores. There were times when things happened so unexpectedly and intensely that I could feel my adrenaline rushing like I was personally involved. I highly recommend White Irish Drinkers. It's a gritty, emotional, and extremely engaging story with a dark, twisted sense of humor providing occasional comic relief.
Saturday Night Fever on tranquillizers
tigerfish5018 May 2013
The narrative arc of 'White Irish Drinkers' is so stale that it feels like a previously viewed film. Set amongst the mean streets of 1970s Brooklyn, a blue collar Irish-American is offered a scholarship at a prestigious art school - but inexplicable loyalty to a petty criminal older brother, a violent drunken father and a depressed mother prevents him making the obvious decision. The sensitive hero tries to overcome the film's dull dialog and direction while he wrestles with his conscience and churns out some mediocre scribbles in the basement.
The lame tale limps from one hackneyed scene to the next, as unconvincing sub-plots involving a trite romance and a theater owner's rock concert scam provide some minor relief from the family squabbles, macho posturing and fistfights. Eventually the story arrives at a predictable tragedy, followed by a maudlin display of grief, before a last punch to the face thankfully brings down the final curtain.
The lame tale limps from one hackneyed scene to the next, as unconvincing sub-plots involving a trite romance and a theater owner's rock concert scam provide some minor relief from the family squabbles, macho posturing and fistfights. Eventually the story arrives at a predictable tragedy, followed by a maudlin display of grief, before a last punch to the face thankfully brings down the final curtain.
Please see this Movie in a Theatre!
rpg_9004626 March 2011
What an incredible movie! I'm concerned that some of the critics were watching a different film to the public audiences that are rating it with 10 stars. Perhaps they were watching this master-piece through different eyes, or a check wasn't sitting in their popcorn...sorry folks, this movie was made with love and passion and NOT money.
John Gray's tremendous love for the craft and the people that surround him is a testimony and encouragement to all independent film makers that passion is more powerful than money.
I encourage everyone to get out and support top notch Indie film making at it's finest.....at the screening in Hollywood last night which I attended, the audience gave the film a standing ovation! Unbelievable!
John Gray's tremendous love for the craft and the people that surround him is a testimony and encouragement to all independent film makers that passion is more powerful than money.
I encourage everyone to get out and support top notch Indie film making at it's finest.....at the screening in Hollywood last night which I attended, the audience gave the film a standing ovation! Unbelievable!
Ultra Tedious
mcjensen-059248 January 2024
This generic tale of woe isn't easy to endure. Not because of the subject matter, but because of the incredible dull manner in which it unfolds. It's so uttely bland and predictable, with characters giving by the numbers performances as they drop F bomb after F bomb. The film makers must have thought that makes for gritty, compelling dialogue. Nothing of the sort. I didn't believe for a second that any of the characters were even Irish, and that's a pretty bad low to achieve when they're all supposed to be Irish. The love interest of our loser protagonist is very pretty and talented so I suppose a star goes to her for making it a barely tolerable viewing experience. I'd like to give one for soundtrack or cinematography but just can't. Lighting is dark and editing seems to have been an afterthought. The acting is atrocious, and all dramatic scenes are so contrived and robotic that it's painful to watch. This indie redefines pretentious failure. You know who does good Irish films? The Irish!
One of my new favorite Movies!!
jeffmclean228 April 2011
Coming from a strong Irish background, the title automatically drew me in and I was hooked from the start.
This is one of those movies that you just don't seem to see anymore. It is real, and plays all your emotions. It is one of those straight forward movies that doesn't beat around anything: it has conflict, humor, the family drama, and romance.
The acting is phenomenal as well too.. Karen Allen, Stephen Lang, and Nick Thurston were PERFECT for their roles.. I think we will be seeing a lot more of Nick after this movie gets out.
Over all I give it a 10 ... and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this movie to anyone!
This is one of those movies that you just don't seem to see anymore. It is real, and plays all your emotions. It is one of those straight forward movies that doesn't beat around anything: it has conflict, humor, the family drama, and romance.
The acting is phenomenal as well too.. Karen Allen, Stephen Lang, and Nick Thurston were PERFECT for their roles.. I think we will be seeing a lot more of Nick after this movie gets out.
Over all I give it a 10 ... and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this movie to anyone!
To see beyond the moment
cynthia-anderson7 November 2010
During these challenging times, when life seems so overwhelming, so hopeless, so unable to change tracks or make different choices, a film like this can touch someone at a level so deep, that personal movement becomes possible again.
There are a few creative people on this planet, who when they take action, I KNOW they have a message I need and want to hear. John Gray is one of those people. When I saw the cast and crew for this production, I knew that it was even more important to hear this message, that ALL these creative professionals, signed on to co-create, for much more then a monetary reward.
One of the challenges that has happened to the humans in the US, is that over time, we have lost or given up those important rites of passages, during which "today, I take a different path." (become a different person, live a different life)... Even more importantly, to not leave that path, give up on the vision, abandon the dream, no matter the enticements of an easier "way", faster rewards, or even,~ sometimes, to just stop being the outcast, the outsider, the misfit, and to finally break the mold and the legacy, is both something the viewers can identify with AND connect to on an emotional level.
A story like this can help keep that spark of hope alive long enough, to survive, thrive and become a light (in turn) for others as John Gray, and those who share his path have become, if only it can be distributed out to those who desperately need to hear, see and feel the heart of stories like this one!
There are a few creative people on this planet, who when they take action, I KNOW they have a message I need and want to hear. John Gray is one of those people. When I saw the cast and crew for this production, I knew that it was even more important to hear this message, that ALL these creative professionals, signed on to co-create, for much more then a monetary reward.
One of the challenges that has happened to the humans in the US, is that over time, we have lost or given up those important rites of passages, during which "today, I take a different path." (become a different person, live a different life)... Even more importantly, to not leave that path, give up on the vision, abandon the dream, no matter the enticements of an easier "way", faster rewards, or even,~ sometimes, to just stop being the outcast, the outsider, the misfit, and to finally break the mold and the legacy, is both something the viewers can identify with AND connect to on an emotional level.
A story like this can help keep that spark of hope alive long enough, to survive, thrive and become a light (in turn) for others as John Gray, and those who share his path have become, if only it can be distributed out to those who desperately need to hear, see and feel the heart of stories like this one!
Wonderful, rich character study
noladoll9 September 2011
So few films today provide such a rich and gritty study of both human frailty and human spirit and redemption. White Irish Drinkers is definitely one of them.
I loved it. I saw it last night and I have thought about it several times since - a mark of a good film.
I am going to act like I didn't see it and watch it again with my husband tonight. Don't think you can get a better endorsement than that.
Only very minor issues:
It is a coming of age story. All the characters are tremendously real with Karen Allen the exception. She was too cliché and wasn't able to pull off enough suffering commensurate with what she was actually going through
Ha....can't believe I actually did see a blooper. It is set in 1975 and in the opening credits scenes, there is a picture of a molded white plastic chair...which didn't exist back them. I am surprised no one noticed...especially 3 minutes into the movie.
I loved it. I saw it last night and I have thought about it several times since - a mark of a good film.
I am going to act like I didn't see it and watch it again with my husband tonight. Don't think you can get a better endorsement than that.
Only very minor issues:
It is a coming of age story. All the characters are tremendously real with Karen Allen the exception. She was too cliché and wasn't able to pull off enough suffering commensurate with what she was actually going through
Ha....can't believe I actually did see a blooper. It is set in 1975 and in the opening credits scenes, there is a picture of a molded white plastic chair...which didn't exist back them. I am surprised no one noticed...especially 3 minutes into the movie.
Great acting in a hackneyed plot
madinpursuit13 December 2011
Warning: Spoilers
The movie is well done and the acting stellar. But it is burdened with a hackneyed plot: talented kid seeks to escape the stranglehold of his low-life culture, but family loyalties are ties not easily broken. This version takes us into the clutches of 1975 Irish-Americans, living their dreary lives in Brooklyn. The talented misfit is an artist with a drunken father, a weak mother, and a gang-banger older brother. The only question for the audience is whether it will end in despair or with a little Hollywood high-five.
Yes, the plot is a universal one: you love your family, but you need to escape it and find your own way... A coming-of-age story. This one bothered me because the mother Margaret (Karen Allen) was such a beat- down martyr. Bad enough that the father (Stephen Lang) was the worst kind of put-your-dukes-up cliché of an Irish drunk. But the movie didn't live up to the flip side of the stereotype: the Irish woman who takes charge and who goes all out on behalf of her sons... or at least screams good and loud about it.
In the end I just wound up being mad at the whole lot of them.
Yes, the plot is a universal one: you love your family, but you need to escape it and find your own way... A coming-of-age story. This one bothered me because the mother Margaret (Karen Allen) was such a beat- down martyr. Bad enough that the father (Stephen Lang) was the worst kind of put-your-dukes-up cliché of an Irish drunk. But the movie didn't live up to the flip side of the stereotype: the Irish woman who takes charge and who goes all out on behalf of her sons... or at least screams good and loud about it.
In the end I just wound up being mad at the whole lot of them.
Best Film in a Long Time
lizboldman1 April 2011
Warning: Spoilers
White Irish Drinkers is one of the best films I've seen in a while. The characters within the film struggle with the problems all of us face: including family relationships and financial troubles that prevent us from chasing our goals in life. The story is about two Irish brothers who don't seem to have any solid future. While one dreams of college, his older brother turns to a life of crime. Also, while most films just show the one-sided cruelness of an abusive father, Stephen Lang's ('Avatar') performance has depth that allows you to see and relate to his tormented soul. It was refreshing to see the plot pushed forward not by special effects like most films nowadays, but by the skills of the actors and the strength of the plot. I would highly recommend this film to anyone.
Jackie Martling steals the show again
garypagetwo25 March 2011
What can I say about this excellent movie that hasn't already been said so many times before? How about that Jackie Martling, who plays a cop in the movie, offers a rare performance that can only be described as pure acting GOLD.
The flick starts out like any other in its genre, playing to the audience bye using pop icons and cheesy dialog to move the plot forward. It's one of those movies where after watching for a while, you begin to consider leaving the room, and jumping off a hill. Enter, Jackie Martling. Am I watching the same movie as I was 10 minutes ago? I really don't want to ruin any of the plot, so I'll just skip the details and get to the point. Jackie's breathtaking and genius work in this movie screams "Oscar Award", and if you truly consider yourself a fan of movies, treat yourself to this one so that you too can experience the delicate yet masterful deliverance of Jackie Martling.
The flick starts out like any other in its genre, playing to the audience bye using pop icons and cheesy dialog to move the plot forward. It's one of those movies where after watching for a while, you begin to consider leaving the room, and jumping off a hill. Enter, Jackie Martling. Am I watching the same movie as I was 10 minutes ago? I really don't want to ruin any of the plot, so I'll just skip the details and get to the point. Jackie's breathtaking and genius work in this movie screams "Oscar Award", and if you truly consider yourself a fan of movies, treat yourself to this one so that you too can experience the delicate yet masterful deliverance of Jackie Martling.
A story about a young man trying to get through life the honest way, avoiding the tough obstacles that he is surrounded by in Brooklyn.
soimpossible48029 March 2011
I caught White Irish Drinkers at a film festival and I have to say I was really impressed with it. I have family in Brooklyn, and every street corner and bar reminded me of the times I've had there. Not to mention, the incredible acting of the greats like Karen Allen and Stephen Lang, but also the newcomers Nick Thurston and Geoff Wigdor. Needless to say, I IMDb'd all of the actors after I saw it because of how awesome they were.
Nick Thurston's acting really makes you feel for this kid. You almost relate to him even if you have never been through this life of abuse and petty crimes. And his innocent blue eyes make it impossible to look away!
I would invite anyone to see this movie again. I don't think it matters who you are; you'll love White Irish Drinkers, with its deeply emotional scenes of family and abuse and it's hilarity in streaking through cemeteries. White Irish Drinkers rocks!
Nick Thurston's acting really makes you feel for this kid. You almost relate to him even if you have never been through this life of abuse and petty crimes. And his innocent blue eyes make it impossible to look away!
I would invite anyone to see this movie again. I don't think it matters who you are; you'll love White Irish Drinkers, with its deeply emotional scenes of family and abuse and it's hilarity in streaking through cemeteries. White Irish Drinkers rocks!
This indie has it all
tjbg31 March 2011
This is such an incredible piece of work. A friend of mine had seen it and recommended it to me, and I'm so glad I got the opportunity to see it. This indie has it all: excellent writing, captivating cinematography, and an incredibly talented cast. It was so refreshing to see new talent like Nick Thurston work so incredibly well with the veterans of the cast. Stephen Lang, Karen Allen, and Geoff Wigdor also have captivating performances, but newcomer Thurston really stole the show for me. The story line beautifully carries the weight of alcoholism and the conflict of staying loyal to family while also trying to find your own way. Like any good film, White Irish Drinkers carries the viewer through a multitude of emotions, and they're left with a powerful presentation. You can really feel the director's passion for the story, and the characters' authenticity pulls in any audience. This isn't one to miss.
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