Jimmy's Hall (2015)

In the States we didn't get much Irish history in our schools, particularly post-Rebellion history. Had no idea of the politics involved regarding the Socialist/Catholic Church alliance during the Depression, which is the basis of this film. We are influenced to root for the people versus this alliance, which seems to be the correct rooting interest. Jimmy comes back to his hometown after 10 years in exile, and takes up the same cause which got him deported in the first place. Once again the same forces that were against him are still in place, resulting in a duplication of events. Can't imagine how any moviegoer could fault him or his motives and the plot plays along with these sentiments.That said, the story bogs down in the second half of the film, making the staunchest advocate fidgety and anxious for some movement. It seems longer than the 1hr 49min advertised, but does not impinge on the gorgeous photography and the marvelous acting. Barry Ward as Jimmy was good, Simone Kirby was even better and Jim Norton as Fr. Sheridan was outstanding. I recommend "Jimmy's Hall", especially if you went to school in the U.S. - I guarantee you will be enlightened.

A film full of strong feelings between the characters. The main character is very well represented by Barry ward and pleases by the depth of ideas and emotions. It is interesting to see the discomfort of the elite and the church, so actual circumstances, although the date was the 1930s.The author makes clear in subtle and forceful way how people are prevented from living and think as they wish. This interferes in all aspects of personal life, beautifully portrayed. A great historical reference as well as a great entertainment.A beautiful movie. Photography and performances are flawless.

It's hard to believe that this movie was directed by a major director. It has no pacing, no sense of urgency. I kept thinking that it is the sort of movie Hollywood made very well in the 1930s with James Stewart or Gary Cooper - an individual trying to fight a corrupt establishment - but those movies held together much better than this.Part of it is the acting. You get the impression that, with the exception of the leads, these are all just folks rather than trained actors. That makes them seem very real, certainly, but it also makes for a lot of flat moments that could have been more intense with actors who knew how to deliver dramatic lines.On the other hand, the dialogue, much of it, seems painfully scripted and unnatural, especially during the discussions in the hall.I couldn't get through all of this in one sitting. It just didn't hold me. Others have said that this is a story worth telling, and that is certainly true. I just wish it had been told in a more engaging fashion.

For many years now, I've been a huge fan of English filmmaker Ken Loach's work. I'm glad I read recently he's reconsidering his retirement announcement. Here, with a sharp screenplay from Paul Laverty, who often collaborates with Loach, the director presents a most powerful drama, inspired by the life of Jimmy Gralton.Set mostly during the worldwide Great Depression, Gralton is returning home to his native Ireland, after 10 years of self-imposed exile. During political unrest, and facing imminent arrest, he fled his homeland and had been living in New York City.Although a treaty has been signed following a Civil War, in Ireland, tensions remain high between various factions in the country. Amid this turmoil, Gralton, ably portrayed by Barry Ward, wants to work his family farm in peace, in County Leitrim.However, he's approached by a group of local youths who ask him to revitalize and re-open the hall he owns, which has been shut for years and is completely dilapidated. The hall used to be a vital community center for the locals, with music, dance, and various lessons being taught there.With the help of friends and the local citizens, the hall is indeed restored and brought "back to life". However, it becomes the bane of the powerful local Catholic Church, led by Father Sheridan (Jim Norton), who feels it's a threat to his authority, and the playing of such music as jazz (imported from America) is disgraceful. Father Sheridan begins to go to any lengths to disparage all the locals who go there, and brands Gralton and his friends as Communists and subversives.At the same time, powerful and rich land owners are trying to squeeze out many local farmers, by foreclosing on them without due process. The land barons, supported by the British, join with the Catholic Church and begin a campaign of violence, threats, and intimidation vs. Gralton and his many supporters.All in all, I found this latest Loach film to be impeccably directed, well written and acted by a top notch cast. Plus, we get some wonderful Irish music and dance along the way.