This is by no means great cinema, to be sure. But even though the film views everything through green-tinted "oirish" spectacles, there is considerably more here than one might expect. The performances are excellent, and the dialogue, whatever its faults, is quick and clever. If you're looking for entertainment, rather than education, this is a safe bet.
"The Majesty of the Law" is a great segment marked by VERY strong performances. The plot is simple, but it's actually quite emotional, particularly near the end, when the policeman finally takes the guilty party away. The dialogue here is very well-constructed, and the themes, contrasting a man's principles, old-fashioned nature, and stubbornness with the modern world's demands, are moving.
"One Minute's Wait" has no doubt drawn accusations of playing to popular stereotypes of Ireland and the Irish (which it does), but this doesn't change the fact that "One Minute's Wait" is hilarious. I laughed particularly hard at the exchange in which there is a confusion over bishops.
Finally, there is 1921. Probably the weakest of the three films, it is still pretty good (certainly better than most of the dreck being made today). The camera shots used when entering the prison create a wonderfully eerie mood, and the atmosphere is strong throughout.
There is also quite a bit of nostalgia here- not because it somehow depicts "the old Ireland", but because it was a regular TV special on St. Patrick's Day, and numerous families grew up watching it every year.
Ultimately, I wouldn't advise anyone looking for some sort of insight into "the soul of Ireland" to watch this (frankly, I'd advise any such person to stop wasting his time), but anyone looking for an entertaining, funny film need look no further.
"The Majesty of the Law" is a great segment marked by VERY strong performances. The plot is simple, but it's actually quite emotional, particularly near the end, when the policeman finally takes the guilty party away. The dialogue here is very well-constructed, and the themes, contrasting a man's principles, old-fashioned nature, and stubbornness with the modern world's demands, are moving.
"One Minute's Wait" has no doubt drawn accusations of playing to popular stereotypes of Ireland and the Irish (which it does), but this doesn't change the fact that "One Minute's Wait" is hilarious. I laughed particularly hard at the exchange in which there is a confusion over bishops.
Finally, there is 1921. Probably the weakest of the three films, it is still pretty good (certainly better than most of the dreck being made today). The camera shots used when entering the prison create a wonderfully eerie mood, and the atmosphere is strong throughout.
There is also quite a bit of nostalgia here- not because it somehow depicts "the old Ireland", but because it was a regular TV special on St. Patrick's Day, and numerous families grew up watching it every year.
Ultimately, I wouldn't advise anyone looking for some sort of insight into "the soul of Ireland" to watch this (frankly, I'd advise any such person to stop wasting his time), but anyone looking for an entertaining, funny film need look no further.