From An Cailín Ciúin to Kneecap, here are seven brilliant Irish language films to add to your watch list.
Earlier this month, the Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) selected Rich Peppiatt’s new film Kneecap to represent Ireland in the International Feature Film category at the upcoming 97th annual Academy Awards. The first Irish film to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, it tells the story of how hip-hop trio Kneecap came to be— and it’s already set tongues wagging, for all the right reasons.
As Móglaí Bap put it, “The movie is about the Irish language in Ireland, about young people re-engaging with the language and putting their own stamp on the language. One thing we’ve noticed in America is it resonates internationally. It’s an international story and makes people reflect on their own culture and language, and to consider the relationship they have with their indigenous or native language. It comes at a time when people are looking for something with a bit more substance, a bit more intrinsic value. That’s the beauty of this movie, we’re meeting people from all walks of life and it’s resonating and they’re leaving the movie feeling proud about their own identity.”
Inspired to brush up on my cúpla focal after seeing the film in the cinema, I’ve rounded up seven Irish language films to help you do the same.
An Cailín Ciúin
Nominated for the 95th Academy Awards in the ‘International Feature Film’ category of the Oscars, most of you will already be well familiar with An Cailín Ciúin. One of the most lauded Irish language films in recent years, it was adapted from Foster, a short story by Claire Keegan, and centres on nine-year-old Cáit, a shy and withdrawn child who receives scant attention or affection from a family ruled by an uncaring patriarch. When she is sent to spend the summer with her aunt Eibhlín (Carrie Crowley) and her husband Seán (Andrew Bennett), she comes out of her shell, blossoming in their care — especially when Seán’s initial aloofness fades. At the end of the summer, difficult decisions and realities must be faced. It’s a beautifully told story with great pacing and stunning visuals.
Amhrán na Mara
Brought to you by the same animation company behind The Secret of Kells, Amhrán na Mara tells the story of a 10-year-old Irish boy named Ben who discovers that his little sister Saoirse — the last Seal-child — who embark on a fantastic journey across a fading world of ancient legend and magic in an attempt to return to their home by the sea. The film takes inspiration from the mythological Selkies of Irish folklore, who live as seals in the sea but become humans on land. Brendan Gleeson, Fionnula Flanagan, David Rawle, Lisa Hannigan, Pat Shortt and Jon Kenny all lend their voices to the project. The subject matter is dark at times but the visuals and music save it from being too bleak… and with a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s clear that this is a favourite not just in Ireland.
Kneecap
Released in Irish cinemas earlier this month, I went to see Kneecap, left the cinema and immediately Googled online Irish classes. Telling the story of how Belfast trio Kneecap came to be, the film stars Naoise Ó Cairealláin (a.k.a. Móglaí Bap), Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh (a.k.a. Mo Chara) and JJ Ó Dochartaigh (a.k.a. DJ Provaí) as themselves. When fate brings Belfast schoolteacher JJ into the orbit of self-confessed ‘low life scum’ Naoise and Liam Óg, the needle drops on a hip-hop act like no other. Rapping in their native Irish language, Kneecap fast become the unlikely figureheads of a Civil Rights movement to save their mother tongue. Expect sex, drugs, bad language and plenty of new favourites to add to your Spotify playlist.
Arracht
Released in 2019, Arracht is a 2019 Irish period drama written and directed by Tomás Ó Súilleabháin. Set during the Great Famine, the film tells the story of Colmán Sharkey, a ?sherman, father and husband, living on the wild shores of Connemara in 1845. As land taxes rise and crops rot, Colmán confronts his landlord but the night ends in deadly violence and he’s forced to go on the run — hunted for crimes he did not commit. As the years pass in solitude, Colmán returns to the mainland and encounters a young girl, Kitty and a life-saving friendship develops.
Foscadh
An award-winning drama set in the wild mountains of Connemara, Foscadh tells the story of naïve recluse John Cunliffe who is suddenly propelled into manhood at the ripe old age of 28. When his over-protective parents pass away, friendless John inherits mountain land that is in the way of a lucrative wind farm development, and he is forced to navigate the choppy waters of romance, trust and vengeance for the first time…
Róise & Frank
Róise & Frank tells the story of the recently widowed Róise (Bríd Ní Neachtain) who, in a small Irish seaside town, is struggling in the aftermath of her husband Frank’s passing. Grief-stricken and lonely, Róise has distanced herself from the world around her and those dearest to her. But when a stray dog starts to follow her every move, a rejuvenated Róise starts to believe in the reincarnation of her husband and the power of enduring life in its next, hopeful steps. It’s heartwarming and charming and will give you faith when all seems lost (even if it is a bit twee at times).
Cáca Milis
And of course, no list of brilliant Irish language films would be complete without a mention of Cáca Milis — a film that’s haunted many a nightmare of traumatised Leaving Cert students. Starring Brendan Gleeson and Charlotte Bradley, the film tells the story of a chance encounter on a train between a young woman named Catherine and a blind man, Pól. Catherine wants to read her book, Pól wants to chat. Growing increasingly irritated with his attempts to engage in conversation, Catherine soon realises that he won’t leave her alone and well, I won’t spoil it but the situation certainly escalates beyond what you might expect For those of you who haven’t seen it, beware the close up cake shots (you’ve been warned).
Feature image courtesy Break Out Pictures
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