Waking Ned Devine (1998)

When local wag Jackie O'Shea (Ian Bannen) discovers that one of his neighbors in the village of Tulaigh Mohr is a lottery winner he sees a chance to share in the wealth. Things get complicated when Jackie and his pal Michael O'Sullivan (David Kelly) discover that the winner, Ned Devine, died of shock at the very moment he learned of becoming a millionaire. Undaunted, Jackie and Michael dispose of the lucky stiff and hatch a plot to impersonate him and claim the prize. Soon the whole village is involved and the plot rapidly thickens.

This film has been compared to The Full Monty, but it lacks the vein of desperation that added depth to that film. Instead, Waking Ned Devine is closer in tone to classic British comedies like Whisky Galore!, with its cast of eccentrics gleefully conspiring to outwit the authorities. Those with a low tolerance for twinkly eyed Irish charm might be tempted to steer clear, although the movie is saved, for the most part, by its central performances. Bannen is superb as an old man who is clearly hungry for any excitement he can drum up and David Kelly is remarkable as his scrawny sidekick. Kelly has had a long career as a character actor in film and television, but here he has a chance to really let loose. His naked motorcycle ride is a marvelous set piece and in all of his other scenes his twitchy, perfectly timed performance quite simply steals the movie. --Simon Leake Amazon.com

Waking Ned Devine

Very enjoyable movie. Was reluctant at first to take the time to watch, but very happy I did. No vulgar language, no nudity (well, almost!), no violence, no car chases, and no anti-American theme. Just a movie with lovable characters, beautiful backdrop scenery, easy on the ear Irish/English conversational language, lots of laughs, and a surprise ending. What's not to like? Oh, and the movie has a great final scene song, The Parting Glass. First movie I have purchased in quantity and given as a gift to friends and family. December 20, 2008

One of my favorite films from the UK!

Waking Ned Devine is an a feel good, simple tale along the lines of Arsenic and Old Lace...great fun to watch over and over again.

November 17, 2008

An excellent, charming film

This is a wonderful comedy. It's gentle and charming, with some great scenes and I would expect most people to enjoy it hugely. Strongly recommended. November 4, 2008

Waking Ned Devine

I love this movie set in ireland. Two men discover that someone in their small villiage has won the Lottery. But, they find the winner is dead..so it is a merry chase to pretend to be him so they can cash in the ticket. November 3, 2008

Waking Ned Devine

Waking Ned Devine is a thoroughly enjoyable movie, funny and entertaining. It is a movie that I will recommend to my friends and that I will watch again. October 30, 2008

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