Song for a Raggy Boy (2003)

This is a companion piece to the film The Magdalene Sisters, but is more brutal, and also more beautiful. Not for the squeamish, this work of art is a fantastic example of why we have film as an art form and as a way to bring light to social injustices. There are countless holy people--true saints--who have found Jesus through various Christian constructs such as Roman Catholicism, Greek Orthodoxy, and a wide variety of Protestant versions. However, for the most part those involved in maintaining the structures themselves are not Christlike at all, but demonic. Jesus promises that if anyone hurts one of his little ones, it is better that a millstone is tied around his neck and that he is then thrown into the sea. Maybe it's just me, but I never want to be on the other end of that warning. It's really too bad that there are those who do find themselves there, hiding their evil behind self-righteousness.

I cannot believe some of the negative comments about this film. The acting is strong from the whole cast, including the children and that is a rarity these days. It touches on the awful side of Irish Catholic reform schools and the brutality and abuse depicted here is authentic and true, based on accounts and evidence which has come to light in recent years. It is emotional at times and hard to take but this is a superb film and its comparisons with films such as Dead Poet's are justified. 9 out of 10, not quite perfect but very close. The acting is brilliant and Iain Glenn and Aidann Quinn stand out as do the two main boys in the story. You may be shocked and appalled by some of the scenes but it is worth watching and was one of the best films of 2003.

it was really like it i had the misfortune to be in a school with "christian brothers" this film brought all the memories of the beatings back worst than the tali ban . it was really like it i had the misfortune to be in a school with "christian brothers" this film brought all the memories of the beatings back worst than the tali ban . it was really like it i had the misfortune to be in a school with "christian brothers" this film brought all the memories of the beatings back worst than the tali ban . it was really like it i had the misfortune to be in a school with "christian brothers" this film brought all the memories of the beatings back worst than the tali ban .

Watching this movie I had the same feelings I had when "The Magdalene Sisters" was shown at theatres. "Song for a Raggie boy" is based on a true story and tells about the time spent by these boys in a reformatory. Another strong indictment against system basing itself on God, purportedly, another battle between good and evil. Something might have been exaggerated but sadism and perversions are not invented at all, as well as the Catholic Churg hindering rapes and murders. Performances are strong and charming but you remain wordless for the contents. I can recognize everything was displayed in too black and white way but, sweet ending aside, these things really happened and nobody was ever jailed.