Most of us will hopefully be out on St. Patrick’s Day, enjoying the sun and warm weather after months of snow and dreariness. We all know how the weather in Buffalo can be, but having a movie to cozy up with can be a good substitute in the unfortunate case the weather doesn't hold. Or perhaps something to wind down the day after a long day of chasing leprechauns or whatever St. Paddy’s Day activities people might be doing.
The Banshees of Inisherin
“The Banshees of Inisherin” is a 2022 film directed by Martin Mcdonagh starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson as the two main characters. The movie is dark, depressing and incredibly heartbreaking at times; perfect for a holiday built around cheer and celebration, right?
But in all honesty, this film is a cultural reset to say the least. It follows the themes of grief, friendship, complacency in one’s own life, and the pretentiousness of intellectualism. With wonderful visuals, a star studded cast and a gripping storyline, if you’re feeling up to a little sadness and a lot of introspection, give this one a go.
The Wind that Shakes the Barley
“The Wind that Shakes the Barley” is a 2006 film directed by Ken Loach and stars Cillian Murphy (yay!) This one is for the history buffs out there, set during the Irish War of Independence.
It mixes history with drama as two brothers fight for the freedom of their country as well as the freedom to be themselves. Heartbreaking scenes (again, sorry) of familial torment, war and the breathtaking Irish countryside, what more could a viewer want? If you're feeling more of a period drama this one just might be for you.
The Luck of the Irish
“The Luck of the Irish” is a 2001 Disney Channel original movie directed by Paul Hoen and stars Ryan Merriman, Alex Lopez and Henry Gibson. This one’s a little bit of a throwback, going back to childhood days. It’s fun, lighthearted, perhaps a bit stereotypical, and family friendly in case you’re needing something for the younger siblings and cousins.
It follows the story of Kyle, a young boy trying to discover his family's heritage and along the way uncovers a dark secret: his mother is actually a leprechaun! Talk about scary. Again, just a fun, silly movie to learn about the power of friendship and being proud of who you are. Awwwww.
The Run of the Country
“The Run of the Country” is a 1995 film directed by Peter Yates and starring Albert Finney, Matt Keesler and Victoria Smurfit. The list wouldn’t be complete without at least one gushy romance movie. This Romeo and Juliet-esque movie features a young couple who fall in love from opposite sides of a generational political conflict.
A boy growing up on the border of Northern Ireland and The Republic ends up falling for a northern girl; this causes trouble in his already tense relationship with his hard-headed father. The movie is sad, lovey, and a little over the top at times, with the added political tension giving the film an extra layer of depth. It’s a cute film with a touching story perfect for a night in with a special someone.
Marina Noack is an assistant arts editor and can be reached at marina.noack@spectrum.com
Photo: Ryan Johnson / Wikimedia Commons
