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The Commitments
1991
Alan Parker's THE COMMITMENTS, based on Roddy Doyle's buoyant debut novel, follows the enjoyable travails of a band cobbled together by young Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins), whose vision is to bring soul music to Dublin. After putting an ad in the local paper, Jimmy assembles an unlikely group of musicians who, though nervous, .. Read more
| Starring | Andrew Strong, Robert Arkins, Michael Aherne, Angeline Hall |
|---|---|
| Director | Alan Parker |
| Genres | Comedy |
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The Commitments
Alan Parker's THE COMMITMENTS, based on Roddy Doyle's buoyant debut novel, follows the enjoyable travails of a band cobbled together by young Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins), whose vision is to bring soul music to Dublin. After putting an ad in the local paper, Jimmy assembles an unlikely group of musicians who, though nervous, raw, and rough, make music that speaks to something very near the heart of their audience of curious kids and sharp-tongued, sarcastic relatives. As the band nears its big break, egos clash and expectations of fame and fortune start to tear them apart, forcing Jimmy to fight desperately to keep them together.
THE COMMITMENTS bubbles over with life, largely on the strength of the young, mostly unknown cast. Andrew Strong shines in the role of the lead singer exuding a volatile and irresistible charisma as he transforms rapidly from an unsure adolescent into an egotistical spotlight hogger. Colm Meaney contributes a hilarious cameo as Jimmy's father (a role that would expand in two later film adaptations of Doyle novels, THE SNAPPER and THE VAN). Pumped along by killer 1960s soul tunes and crackling throughout with quick-witted dialogue, THE COMMITMENTS is an effervescent, affecting tour through working-class Dublin.
| Starring | Andrew Strong, Robert Arkins, Michael Aherne, Angeline Hall, Maria Doyle |
|---|---|
| Director | Alan Parker |
| Studio | 20TH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 53 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Comedy |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Hearing-impaired | English |
| Released | DVD: 14 Mar 2005 Production year: 1991 |
| Format | DVD |
The Commitments (1991)
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Critics' reviews (2)
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The soundtrack album from this musical drama sold like hot cakes, it walked away with Bafta awards for best film, best direction and best adapted screenplay, and it should have made bigger stars of several of its cast than has actually been the case. It was also Alan Parker's first feature on this side of the Atlantic since Pink Floyd — the Wall nearly a decade earlier and it brought the work of future Booker Prize-winning author Roddy Doyle to the attention of the chattering classes. Laced with Irish charm and blessed with some superb music sung with passion by Andrew Strong, Bronagh Gallagher, Angeline Ball and Maria Doyle, it's very funny, especially during the band auditions held by the excellent Robert Arkins.
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Lively and energetic account of backstage traumas, troubles and triumphs.
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Most helpful member's review
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9 out of 9 people found this review helpful
Beautiful film, a joy to watch
I first saw this three or four years ago, and the characters and the beauty of the film shone in my mind so vividly I couldn't help watching it again. Superb acting, the setting and casting is brilliant, and Roddy Doyle's dialogue is sheer genius.
One of the funniest films I can remember seeing, the dialog is sharp, witty, and cutting, keeping you rolling along with the fantastic story line. Even with such a funny script, the film is powerful in other respects - and the characters are so strong and well-developed you can't help being taken along with them for the ride.
Without doubt one of the funniest, most powerful, moving, and memorable films of all time. See it. Now.
10/10 - Sheer brilliance -
Most recent members' review
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
[Highly rated reviewer]
Black Irish Soul
A great rollicking film, with many of my favourite elements, soul music, Ireland and a great director being foremost amongst them. Superb performances from a largely amateur cast, some fantastic music and a great ending full of pathos. It moves like a great soul song.
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