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Dancing at Lughnasa Customer Reviews (1 - 3 of 10 Reviews)

Revisiting 'Dancing at Lughnasa'
Given the luxury of owning films via DVD collections offers the opportunity to revisit at will the works the viewer found worthy of purchase. Such is the case with the luminous 'Dancing at Lughnasa', a 1998 release by director Pat O'Connor to the tunes of a lilting screenplay by Frank McGuinness based on Brian Friel's 1990 play of the same name. Though low key and not a popular hit at the boxoffice, this is one of those rare films that combines a very simple tale about common folks brought to life by a cast of extraordinary actors.

The story is set in Donnegal, Ireland in 1936 (just before WW II)choked the world) and simply relates the life of a family of five single sisters and the love child of one of them. The action is spare, centering on the visit of their brother home from the missionary work in Uganda inalterably changed from the experience, on the loss of job of the supporting eldest sister, and the return of the errant father of the love child for the summer, and other daily challenges. The stresses and strains these small events play on the sisters is eventually climaxed in the dancing festival that marks the Feast of Lughnasa (a persistent pagan celebration that challenges the very Catholic foundation of the Irish community), a compelling event that parallels the returned priest brother from the mission fields where he has gained insight into the desperate need for community, happiness, dancing and celebration as the essential needs of humankind.

The cast is flawless: Meryl Streep is superb as the elder sister bitterly bound to holding the family together at all costs, Catherine McCormack as the mother of the lovechild, Kathy Burke, Sophie Thompson and Brid Brennan; Michael Gambon as the deranged returned brother; and Rhys Ifans as the errant father of the child. They interact and play like fine chamber music. The brilliantly green and gorgeous countryside is captured eloquently by Kenneth MacMillan. In every aspect of production the film fits like a tightly intertwined puzzle. It simply glows. Revisiting 'Dancing at Lughnasa' is an even finer trip than the first exposure. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, September 06



Dancing at Lughnasa
Enoyed very, very much. I laughed, cried, felt for the entire family. Dancing scene and MUSIC near the end was sensational!!!!! Meryl Streep was simply marvelous in this movie. I will cherish this one forever.
Pat Holohan

Honestly reviewed
I am studying the play by Brian Friel, which is absolutely wonderful, the film whilst completely convincing and beautifully directed, strays from the original script occasionally, which is a shame, but essentially ends up not to matter, due to a few main factors, the direction really captures the nature and real essence of the play, and is beautifully done showing every actress and actor in their best light. and Meryl Streep is absolutely fantastic as the rather clipped, kate.
The Story is a tale following 5 sisters a son and a brother, and how they release and show their emotions through dancing to music from their new radio, which in the end contributes to the break down of the family. While the story ends sadly it is strangly uplifting.
It is a film i would recommend to people who enjoy a film which is incredibly honest and naturalistic. What is astounding is the way the concepts of the story linger in your mind and you eventually begin to notice a deeper meaning or reference.
A very understated film, which deserved a lot more credit and recognition.
Fabulous.

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