Kings (2007)

WINNER OF 5 IRISH ACADEMY AWARDS

"Striking... sincere" – The Boston Globe

"Involving tale" – Variety

"wrenching... brilliant... painfully beautiful." – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Powerful... terrific... Kings may be the best Irish-language feature" – The Irish Times

They came to live the dream and return home as...KINGS

Fresh-faced and ambitious, a close-knit team of six young men sailed away from Ireland in 1977 with dreams of a better life. Thirty years later, they reunite at the wake after one of them suddenly dies. Hardened by years of disappointment and drink, they quickly realize that their bonds of friendship have weakened, provoking regret, jealousy and tension. As they reveal their guilty feelings about their dead friend and their past, they are confronted with the bitter reality of their lives – and the appalling truth of their friend’s death.

Language: Irish Gaelic and English with English Subtitles

Special Features: Cast & Crew Interviews / Theatrical Trailer

WIDESCREEN

Irish language film comes of age.

This contains the best acting I have seen in an Irish film in many years. It is a reworking of a play, and the adaptation preserves all the intensity and intimacy which is usual within a theatre production. It is a dark, brooding and menacing work which does not belong in the category of light entertainment, but rather, a higher art. If you are prepared to go on the journey, you will find it has rewards. But be warned that there is no compromise here to easy access for English only speakers - it is predominantly in Irish with English subtitles. If you like the theatre, you should find this a real treat. Forget Hollywood, or indeed Fair City, this contains the best ensemble acting by an Irish cast since the best of the Roddy Doyle films.

September 19, 2008

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