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The Commitments
on DVD (1991)
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Brief synopsis of 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.
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Commitments, The - Feature
Alan Parker's THE COMMITMENTS, based on Roddy Doyle's buoyant debut novel, follows the enjoyable travails of a...
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Commitments, The - Bonus Features
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Critics Reviews
Radio Times
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.
Halliwell's Film Guide
Lively and energetic account of backstage traumas, troubles and triumphs.
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