Ireland is one of the countries outside of the United States that generates critically acclaimed movies that tend to do very well when award season rolls around. Irish directors and writers are often praised for their depictions of different moments in the country's history, as well as for their portrayals of life in specific cities. Irish actors are equally often lauded for their performances in both American and Irish films, including Daniel Day-Lewis, Brendon Gleeson, and many more.
The best of the best when it comes to Irish cinema includes a rather wide variety of films that wow audiences with their strong characterization, beautiful visuals and catchy tunes.
The Secret Of Kells (2009) - 7.6
Featuring the vocal talent of well-known Irish actor Brendan Gleeson, this Oscar-nominated animated film is set in ninth-century Ireland and is a fantasy adventure story. The film's protagonist is a young boy named Brendan, who lives in a monastery called Abbey of Kells. His adventure begins when a mysterious man arrives with a book that is said to turn darkness into light.
Quirky 2D animation gives The Secret of Kells a fantastical storybook feel. Although the design of the characters is rather simplistic, when put against the stunning backgrounds, they really come alive. Viewers also praised the film for its whimsical and lyrical Celtic soundtrack.
The Magdalene Sisters (2002) - 7.7
The Magdalene Sisters follows three teenage girls who are sent to the Magdalene laundries in Ireland: Roman Catholic institutions for "fallen women." While at the asylum, the three women face various forms of abuse and humiliation.
Based on true events, the film can be unbearably bleak and horrifying at points. However, the resilience of the three women is powerful and gives the viewer a strong sense of hope. The film depicts a dark time in Ireland's past, one that makes the viewer reflect on the power of religion and ideology.
Belfast (2021) - 7.8
Belfast is a portrait of a working-class family during the Troubles in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The story is told from the perspective of Buddy, played by newcomer Jude Hill, a young boy who does not quite understand the severity of the conflict and how it is affecting his mother and father.
It is both refreshing and heartbreaking to watch this little boy try to understand what is going on while also trying to maintain his innocence. Hill's performance as Buddy is very real and touching, as are the performances of Jamie Dornan and Caitriona Balfe, who play Buddy's parents.
Rory O'Shea Was Here (2004) - 7.8
Rory O'Shea Was Here is a dramedy film that follows Michael, a young man with cerebral palsy whose outlook on life changes when he befriends the rebellious Rory, his new neighbor at the Carrigmore Residential Home for the Disabled.
James McAvoy's performance as the cocky Rory is electric. His chemistry with Steven Robertson, who plays Michael, is strong and aids the film in its creation of a heartwarming portrayal of friendship. The film was also praised for its thoughtful representation of disability in a movie.
Once (2007) - 7.8
John Carney is known for making some of the best movie musicals that combine strong characters with great songs. The songs in his films function perfectly as a look into the psyche of the characters. A standout is "Falling Slowly," the love ballad that won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Once follows an Irish busker, known as "Guy" and a Czech flower girl known as "Girl," who meet and bond over their shared passion for music. Over the course of a week, they record a collection of songs about their love story.
In Bruges (2008) - 7.9
Sometimes it is easy to forget that well-known actors in Hollywood aren't actually American. Colin Farrell is one of these people. In his role as hitman Ray in Martin McDonagh's comedy crime film, In Bruges, Farrell is able to tap into his Irish identity and hold nothing back, and he is absolutely hilarious.
In Bruges is a very entertaining film that balances its profanity-filled script with moments of humanity. While some might find its dark humor and abundance of swear words off-putting, it is great fun and generally regarded as one of the best Irish dark comedy movies. The film's cast is rounded out by an awesome group of artists, including Brendan Gleeson, Ralph Fiennes, and Clémence Poésy.
My Left Foot (1989) - 7.9
Daniel Day-Lewis won his first Oscar for his role in My Left Foot, and it's not hard to see why. Christy Brown, a real-life artist and writer with cerebral palsy who was able to write and paint using only his left foot, is a demanding character, both physically and psychologically.
For the role, Day-Lewis not only had to learn how to control his body but also his speech patterns. Users praised the actor for emulating Brown's anger and frustration, bringing out a type of difficult character that also shows his humanity.
Sing Street (2016) - 7.9
John Carney's 8th feature film, Sing Street, is pure delight. It is a coming-of-age musical movie about a boy in 1980s Dublin who starts a band in order to impress a girl.
Apart from the great cast, the best part of this movie is its songs. While some musicals feature over-the-top songs that would never be featured on the radio, Sing Street's pop-rock tunes are very accessible and enjoyable. It is also great fun to watch the musical progression of the protagonist, Conor, as he tries to find his voice.
In The Name Of The Father (1993) - 8.1
Nominated for seven Oscars, In the Name of the Father is proof that Jim Sheridan is one of the most critically acclaimed Irish directors of all time. In addition to his Best Director nomination for this film, he has been nominated for five other Oscars over the course of his career.
The film centers around a man whose father is sentenced to life in prison for a crime he did not commit after the IRA bombing in 1974. It stars Daniel Day-Lewis in his second Oscar-nominated role and Pete Postlethwaite in his Oscar-nominated role as the father.
Life Begins Now (2017) - 8.7
Life Begins Now is a little-known experimental drama about the romantic and spiritual connection between two people. Although there are not many reviews of the film, it's praised for its exceptional acting and the way it prompts the viewer to contemplate the meaning of life.
For many, the movie is a pleasant surprise and one that you need to just sit and watch in order to feel its impact.