Into the West

source: Into the West

I stumbled upon this excellent movie while waiting for another program to begin. I was so enthralled with the characters, plot and the visual feast of the Irish countryside that I quite forgot the other program, and continued to watch until the very lovely, emotionally stirring ending. Since then, I've watched "Into the West" on many occasions and now own the VHS tape. The main characters may be children, and the premise/box blurb would seem to portray a fantasy tale, but let me assure you this is no ordinary piece of kiddie fluff. For centuries the Travellers/Irish Tinkers/Gypsies have been persecuted, rejected, enslaved and murdered by the millions. This movie shows the contempt and disregard of government and society which these beautiful, free-living people have endured for most of recorded history while telling a story which is uplifting and enlightening. Do yourself a favor and watch this movie. You will laugh, you will cry, you will thoroughly enjoy it. It gets a "10" from my family! God Bless the Poor Travellers!!

This is an entirely fascinating and well done movie--the script was very strong, acting and production design top-notch, and the setting of 1990's Ireland held my interest, including the grittier Dublin scenes. It is very Irish in nature and story content, and I won't go into it for fear of slipping in a spoiler. Suffice it to say, that the nature of the story is steeped in Celtic/Irish tradition, with an interesting smattering of "Traveler" lore mixed in. In a way, it is a "road movie", much of the movie following the exploits of the two young boys fleeing cross country w/ a "hot horse". Very watchable, and no matter what your age, it gets to you. Strong point--it is not predictable and adds a little something different.

This is a simple movie that keeps you thinking for days about it. Watch the expressions on the kids faces during the movie: great performances. There is a lot in this movie to analyze --- have fun. Finally, it reminded me a little of 'Local Hero' because of its subtle tones('Local Hero' is much more quirky though and more subtle).

I first heard about it in National Review, where it was praised by the great John Simon-- checked it out at the video store and it became a favorite of everyone. First-rate performances, especially liked the grandfather (whom you'll recognize as playing Michael in Waking Ned Devine); and the boys are superlative. Movies in which animals are a major part of the story and presented as more knowing or powerful than an animal should be are kind of tricky to do well--so many times, the director relies on clichéd reaction shots, such as dogs covering their eyes with their paws--but the beautiful horse is well done as a character, conveying a mystery and aloofness that fits neatly with the plot. Treat yourself to this one.

...but then, there's probably not much you do like. Down to the coffee you had this morning. BUT, if you are the sort that revels in finding some small, yet burgeoning spark of light and life in a world gone gray and oppressive, then you will love this movie. I saw it when it first came out and recently watched it again. Children are in many ways the ideal characters to remind the rest of us of the possibilities of life. Not the possibilities of despair. It is a good thing to be reminded that our world and its content is predicated first and foremost on how we choose to see it, and therefore how we choose to form it. But then again I love "Boondock Saints," and "Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels."

Fanciful, charming story ... except for the police violence. The whole police chase could have been cut and more detail of the family's history and the travellers' customs inserted. Now that would have been a wonderful movie. The boys are natural actors, the horse is beautiful, and there's a brooding Irish widower. Not a bad way to spend a couple of rainy hours.

This is a movie that takes you into a world of children's fantasy, the intense love that bonds a family, and masterful cinematography, scripting and performance. What else could any moviegoer ask for? It's the kind of film every filmmaker desires to be a part of. Although I found the film at my local Blockbuster video store tucked away on the Children's shelf, this is anything but a sappy family film that so often inhabit the world of the simplistic often dopey family category. The two boys in the film are terrific and Gabriel Byrne is excellent as the disconnected father and widower. And yes, beautiful scenery is often just that but here the magnificent landscape is as much a part of the story as the plot line. Treat yourself!

I never would have seen this movie, nor would I have known it existed, if I hadn't found it on one morning. After watching it for about 10 minutes, I couldn't stop watching. What seemed to be a "kids" movie, turned out to be an intense experience. The movie was done very well, not just in writing but in cinematography. I would recommend it to anyone.