Thursday, October 16, 2008

Irish Movie Review - "Rory O'Shea was Here" 2004



"Rory O'Shea" is a gem of a movie. It's an uplifting drama that in the wrong hands would have turned into a sappy Movie of the Week but with a little Irish touch has turned into a powerful little movie. The movie takes us on a roller coaster ride of emotions from funny to distressing, to touching and finally hopeful.

Michael (played by Steven Robertson) has cerebal palsy, and lives in Carrigmore Residential Home. When a newcomer to the home, Rory (McAvoy), befriends him, he proceeds to show Michael how to live past the disability. Rory is fiercely independent, and extremely rebellious. His affect upon the quiet and reserve Michael is spectacular, and the two soon leave the care home to set up lives in the outside world, where they recruit the help of a care assistant. They take on the Irish health care bureaucracy and win. The movie is also a story of love, friendship and unreturned love.

The acting is truly impressive.Damien O'Donnell's directing keeps the story moving and he tells an extraordinary story of hope and possibility. Truly an Irish gem....

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