I've just watched this film as part of the 2021 Dublin International Film Festival and it's a decent effort but despite the best efforts of all involved it's not great. It's pretty much what it says on the tin, a film about 2 cousins on temporary release from prison trying to avoid trouble but finding trouble at every turn. Watch it anyway, maybe you'll appreciate it more than I did.
22 Reviews
Cheap budget, bad lead actors. But they tried in fairness.
rochfordsimon14 April 2021
Dublin gangster movie with the wrong actors in the lead roles. Some good supporting actors though. The story is not original but it works.
This film has no funding or proper budget. Just check the credits for proof of same. It comes across on screen. But I think if it had money behind it for better actors, producers and script editors etc it would have been much better. So bare than in mind watching it. They tried.
This film has no funding or proper budget. Just check the credits for proof of same. It comes across on screen. But I think if it had money behind it for better actors, producers and script editors etc it would have been much better. So bare than in mind watching it. They tried.
Half way...
panta-45 May 2021
This independently financed Irish movie went half way for me! Do not get me wrong, it was a film debut for the director Cathal Nally and has a lot going for it, especially the strong chemistry between the two leads. For the script - there is a genuine inner city Dublin dialect so I really needed the subtitles to get everything!
Cinematography was almost TV like, acting was going from good to bad... depending on the actors... and some of the situations were not very believable... especially one of the last scenes where a criminal is swallowing a ring which he has just stolen... WHY? To create a dramatic ending?
Cinematography was almost TV like, acting was going from good to bad... depending on the actors... and some of the situations were not very believable... especially one of the last scenes where a criminal is swallowing a ring which he has just stolen... WHY? To create a dramatic ending?
A great movie with a punch and great characters
kenDoyle-5373318 April 2021
I totally enjoyed watching this movie a great self funded project which stands up on it's own with it's great characters and a good story. A movie that also captured the bare bones and pure essence of Inner City Dublin. A great debut for director Cathal Nally in his first feature and great performances from Les Martin and Declan Mills. Actors to watch out for in the future!
Like a poor copy of Adam & Paul
Jeff_Saps12 April 2021
What a stupid movie
gerbasefitnesskavanagh12 April 2021
Cathal Nelly well done lad
milliejackamber5 May 2021
Solid, gritty, and wonderfully full of heart
ronikamerl13 April 2021
I watched this movie at DIFF, and from the start I loved its gritty exterior... only to fall in love with the HEART of it.
The characters are designed brilliantly, they are true to themselves, never changing their convictions, yet always adapting to their surroundings.
The premise is tried and tested, and the environment equally so, but that does not take away from the core message this movie brings across brilliantly.
Yes, there are rough edges, yes there are scenes that are tough to watch, but this movie is full of honesty, and that sets it apart from anything else.
The characters are designed brilliantly, they are true to themselves, never changing their convictions, yet always adapting to their surroundings.
The premise is tried and tested, and the environment equally so, but that does not take away from the core message this movie brings across brilliantly.
Yes, there are rough edges, yes there are scenes that are tough to watch, but this movie is full of honesty, and that sets it apart from anything else.
Very Charming Film
alannacummins14 April 2021
I saw this movie at the Underground Cinema Festival last september and I found it to be sooo charming! Not what I expected at all!
The blurb on the film kinda put me off at first. Sounded like a typical Irish gangster thingy. But it actually isn't. Yes, there are some heavy scenes but its also very funny and poetic in an odd way. Very well written script and the guy playing Weed in it is fantastic! All round though the acting is very good and the music score doesn't sound like the usual silly paddy-whackery that a lot of Irish film have.
It'll be a cult classic for sure. Check it out.
The blurb on the film kinda put me off at first. Sounded like a typical Irish gangster thingy. But it actually isn't. Yes, there are some heavy scenes but its also very funny and poetic in an odd way. Very well written script and the guy playing Weed in it is fantastic! All round though the acting is very good and the music score doesn't sound like the usual silly paddy-whackery that a lot of Irish film have.
It'll be a cult classic for sure. Check it out.
Excellent Stuff!
jasonshane-8875914 April 2021
Really surprised by this little film. Saw the review in The Guardian the other day and thought why not take a look. I thought it was much better than the 3-star review it received. No recognizable names in it at all but really well acted. Simple story and plot but done excellently well. As low budget films go this is brilliant. You'll be pleasantly surprised.
Very entertaining debut!
piercemcd21 May 2021
Promising debut
scousergarry14 April 2021
This independently financed debut has a lot going for it. There is strong chemistry between the two leads, and the script is peppered with genuine inner city Dublin dialect that Roddy Doyle would be proud of. All the characters are believable, and despite the bleak moments (inner city drug addiction and criminal intimidation) the film has an energy about it, and sits comfortably between Adam and Paul (2004) and Between The Canals (2011). A promising debut that should lead to bigger things for all concerned.
Blew me away!
DRCIRL14 April 2021
I have watched this film 2 times in 2 festivals as there are so many artistic nuances to it, a second viewing is essential.
The idea, script, acting, score, cinematography and direction really pull this story together and brings your emotions on a roller-coaster ride of empathy with the main characters.
A very Dublinesque film about the struggle to change oneself and make amends.
The idea, script, acting, score, cinematography and direction really pull this story together and brings your emotions on a roller-coaster ride of empathy with the main characters.
A very Dublinesque film about the struggle to change oneself and make amends.
Worth to watch...
salmanshigri1 June 2021
A movie that's easy to root for
Thomascrown1215 April 2021
I wouldn't normally be a fan of gritty crime dramas but decided to give this a try after reading the Guardian's review the other day. I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised. The movie is much more interested in the characters than crime and there are some brilliant ones here. Very funny, moving and charming from start to finish. Unlike a lot of Irish films, there were some new faces here and it was very refreshing to see. A testament all involved.
Holds together nicely
Jackjones2617 April 2021
Not my usual choice of film, theres a glut of irish gangster films, each as stodgy and been there, done that as the next.
What sets Be Good or Be Gone apart from the rest is a number of things. Its well written. The dialogue is punchy, well delivered. Someone obviously cared about the characters. Its well directed. It would be easy to lose the run of things on a self made film but someones kept a tight rein on it, kept the focus. Its well acted. Theres a nice play off each other between the main characters and theres solid performances all round. Is it perfect? No. But what makes this film interesting is not just the film itself but what ive read about what it took to get it over the line which is no mean feat for any wannabe film maker and its a more impressive debut than most.
What sets Be Good or Be Gone apart from the rest is a number of things. Its well written. The dialogue is punchy, well delivered. Someone obviously cared about the characters. Its well directed. It would be easy to lose the run of things on a self made film but someones kept a tight rein on it, kept the focus. Its well acted. Theres a nice play off each other between the main characters and theres solid performances all round. Is it perfect? No. But what makes this film interesting is not just the film itself but what ive read about what it took to get it over the line which is no mean feat for any wannabe film maker and its a more impressive debut than most.
Immensely Enjoyable!
gibbomanu18 April 2021
One of the best Irish movies I've seen. Well written. It has every emotion possible and with laugh out loud moments. The two main characters were great to watch. Declan Mills is a lovable rogue in it and the lead by Les Martin was superb and Powerful. This movie has the potential to become a household name. The music used throughout the movie captured the scenes well.
One of my favourite Irish Films!
gazathemaza15 April 2021
I watched this film last week after seeing it advertised, I absolutely loved it! Every actor gives a great performance portraying their characters, you end up loving some and despising some. The two leads gave me hysterical laurel and hardy vibes and yet some very sad moments. The movie is a rollercoaster of emotion with a well written story, spectacular cast and excellent cinematography. Highly reccomended for you film lovers.
Impressive self-made movie
MrMcArony21 April 2021
I've seen this film compared unfavourably to Adam and Paul, which is correct, but then, most films compare unfavourably to Adam and Paul. They have similar settings, following two losers from Dublin around for a few days, but, whereas Adam and Paul focused mainly on its main characters, this film has a bit more plot to drive it along. Unfortunately the plot is a bit clichéd, and the supporting characters are a bit thinly written or just cartoonishly evil. Though as a self-financed first feature by the writer/director it is beyond impressive, and the two leads are sensational. I would have enjoyed the film more if it had had fewer plot devices and focused on the two main characters. They could have just filmed those two guys in a room and saved themselves a lot of effort, I could watch that all day long.
In short, 7 for the film but an extra star for the two lead actors and the film's DIY attitude.
In short, 7 for the film but an extra star for the two lead actors and the film's DIY attitude.
Top class Irish movie.
mikeydunne27 April 2021
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews