The Irish in America (1995 TV Movie) User Reviews

Awesome story, poor production

[enemsee · 7/10 · 31 August 2009]

I watched this documentary for the first time yesterday. I had taped it off the History Channel a while back and was really looking forward to watching it. I have never been so frustrated and disappointed, not with the program itself but with the production values. First of all, Aidan Quinn, as good an actor as he is, was all wrong as the narrator. Why? Because he spoke so softly! Who directed him like that? However, he didn't stand a chance anyway because the background music was SO LOUD! Most of the time he couldn't be heard or understood. I'm kind of hoping the producers of this wonderful documentary will read this and could redo it somehow, turn Aidan's voice UP and turn the music DOWN! Otherwise, I loved it, being Irish on both sides!

Great documentary

[joe-bohnenkamp · 9/10 · 2 September 2005]

This is a touching documentary from beginning to end. I t whole heartedly captures the struggles of our fore fathers. This is of extreme importance to any American of Irish decent or any one interested in the history of American immigration.

There were many touching moments in all the different parts of this saga. The most touching would probably be when they were talking about the tragedy of the potato famine. It was also impressive to know what kind of persecution and degradation they had to go through while trying to make a life for themselves in a newly formed America.

This movie proves to all of us the importance of diversity and determination that eventually make this country one of the greatest countries for humanity and opportunity

Could have been a great piece of work

[lou-6-202350 · 3/10 · 20 March 2011]

Could have been a great story of the Irish people's struggle of survival thru the annals of time but unfortunately the viewer could not hear the narrator (Aidan Quin) who's voice is Totally WRONG for narration "to soft and to low" but he was given no help by the DIRECTOR who allowed the annoying and incessant screeching flute and uncomplimentary so called music to drown out and distract from everything said by anybody with a scripted part (SHAME ON THE PRODUCERS FOR ALLOWING THE RUINING OF THIS FILM FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN THE HISTORY OF THE IRISH). Film should be re-edited and re-released with new NARRAITOR with more resonate voice and 97% of all flute music cut and all music sound levels reduced by at lest 70%. DON'T over-dub contributors on screen comments with music, let us hear what they have to say un drowned out. YOU WOULD THEN HAVE A TRULY OUTSTANDING STORY OF THE IRISH, people could hear and understand (THE WHOLE POINT OF MAKING SUCH A FILM, I THOUGHT) But what do I know I'm just the viewing public.