Join us on a journey of Saint Patrick’s Day film fun!
While many may use the St. Patrick’s Day holiday as an excuse to have a pint, there’s a much deeper meaning to the holiday for the Irish. But while I may respect the holiday and its history, I also respect the fact that people sometimes just want an excuse to celebrate and be merry. So in honor of this alcoholic adventure, I give you 5 Irish influenced films to enjoy through the stages of your festivities.
The Departed – The Pregame
With a cast like Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Mark Wahlberg, and Jack Nicholson, “The Departed” was destined for greatness. Director Martin Scorsese brings us a quality mafia crime drama but for once, the mafia isn’t Italian or Sicilian…they’re Irish. This film is a great starter for your “pre-gaming” given its exploration of Irish customs and beliefs outside of the suspenseful and dramatic crime drama.
From beginning to end, you will be engaged in this film but the recurring music from the Irish band The Dropkick Murphys will raise your spirits and prepare you to rally. While this film is a sobering perspective of Boston’s Irish mafia, it’s also a blood-pumping, badass adventure that should have anyone prepared for the St. Patrick’s Day drinking festivities.
The Boondock Saints – The Alcoholic Beginning
After “The Departed” gets you buzzed, “The Boondock Saints” will get you ready to party. This film doesn’t have the cinematic clout of “The Departed” but does have many of the same elements, just a bit more extreme. Rather than having the Irish be the villains, “The Boondock Saints” portrays the Irish as heroes. Two Irish brothers become vigilantes that take on the mafia in what they believe to be a mission from God.
The extreme and unbelievable nature of this film makes it a perfect transition into round two of St. Patrick’s Day festivities. It’s a fun-filled ride that is violent and sometimes ridiculous, but definitely entertaining. It’s sure to keep your momentum (and buzz) going as you move forward from Guiness to Irish car bombs.
The Devil’s Own – The Loss of Focus
“The Devil’s Own” is more of a transition film that you can keep on in the background while you drowned yourself in green beer, Guiness, and Jamison. Brad Pitt plays the role of an Irish IRA terrorist living undercover with Harrison Ford, a local police officer. While the film isn’t terrible, it’s not something you would seek out sober. The action is limited and the plot is generically suspenseful but it is definitely a good laugh to turn your head between drinks and hear Brad Pitt’s attempt at an Irish accent.
After a few more beers and shots, you’ll probably start to attempt your own Irish accent after continually hearing Pitt’s over-exaggerated vocal diction. At this point you may not remember this film the next day, but that’s okay because you clearly weren’t in the state to focus on a film anyways.
Click to the NEXT PAGE to continue the Alcoholic Adventure!
Leprechaun – The Belligerent Mess
Brad Pitt’s poor portrayal of an Irish accent is a great transition into an even more stereotyped part of Irish culture. The classic (and ridiculous) horror film “Leprechaun” stars Jennifer Aniston before her days of “FRIENDS” and before her nose job. Warwick Davis plays the role of the Leprechaun seeking to kill those who steal his gold. Between the green top hat, four leaf clovers, buckled shoes, and Lucky Charms references, “Leprechaun” is a horribly good horror film that mocks Irish culture to the extreme.
Just like you may be at this point, “Leprechaun” is a belligerent mess and poor representation of the Irish. When viewing this film, it’s probably best viewed in an alcoholic state and will probably further your own initiative to misrepresent the Irish with your own green attire and attempts at an Irish accent.
Once – The Sobering Up
“Once” is a film that represents true Irish culture through song. It’s slow-paced yet soothing for those recovering from a night of excess. It follows the story of two struggling individuals that find common ground through music. Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová represent the beauty of Irish culture through their poetic journey within the city limits of Dublin. The story is heartfelt and the soundtrack is absolutely amazing.
While you’re lying in bed recovering and contemplating the alcoholic mistakes you may have made, “Once” will give you perspective as to what Irish culture truly represents. With alcohol being a depressant, this film should be sure to lift your spirits while you’re drinking water and downing Tylenol.