A New York playwright is summoned to Ireland to bury his father (his "Da"). While at his boyhood home, he encounters his father's spirit and relives memories both pleasant and not.A New York playwright is summoned to Ireland to bury his father (his "Da"). While at his boyhood home, he encounters his father's spirit and relives memories both pleasant and not.A New York playwright is summoned to Ireland to bury his father (his "Da"). While at his boyhood home, he encounters his father's spirit and relives memories both pleasant and not.
- Awards
- 1 win & 1 nomination total
Featured reviews
This great little slice of life film is well-worth giving your time to viewing. The music score by Elmer Bernstein reminds me of "To Kill a Mockingbird" with an Irish accent. I laughed and cried - sometimes both at the same time. The acting is superb and Martin Sheen shows himself to be the great actor most of his film roles have never given him the prove.
I am not a fan of Martin Sheen by any stretch of the imagination. I will move on to another channel by instinct if he happens to appear on the screen. However, I remember seeing this on TV many years ago and never seeing it again. It must have been one of his best performances. This came out shortly after my father passed away, and I was mesmerized by the mental conflicts that were haunting Charlie as he attempted to come to terms with the death of his father. The mix of humor and mental anguish brought me up and then plummeted me to the ground throughout the film. It was much like a roller-coaster ride, cautious at one moment at what might come next, but yet anxious to see what it might be. I would like to see the film again, Martin Sheen's performance was outstanding.
Loved this movie and have played it several times over. This is the only project to top "The Quiet Man" as my favourite Irish film.
William Hickey as Drumm comes out with the keenest observations in the film, Doreen Hepburn captures the spirit of all Irish "mammies" (bless them) while the peerless Barnard Hughes adds the mischief and humour. Other parts (young Charlie, Boy Charlie and Oliver) are portrayed beautifully by a wealth of young Irish talent. The scene at the wake when the various mourners talk about the departed is 100% on the nail for accuracy.
I had the very great pleasure of meeting Martin Sheen on the set of "Da" in Ardmore studios and he was utterly charming.
William Hickey as Drumm comes out with the keenest observations in the film, Doreen Hepburn captures the spirit of all Irish "mammies" (bless them) while the peerless Barnard Hughes adds the mischief and humour. Other parts (young Charlie, Boy Charlie and Oliver) are portrayed beautifully by a wealth of young Irish talent. The scene at the wake when the various mourners talk about the departed is 100% on the nail for accuracy.
I had the very great pleasure of meeting Martin Sheen on the set of "Da" in Ardmore studios and he was utterly charming.
10bkcase4
"Da" is such a wonderful movie. The acting is superb and the grief process wonderfully dramatized. As a descendant of Irish families this story made me laugh and cry - I recognized the antics and special ways of many of my relatives who filled my life with color and drama! Hugh Leonard has told a story of deep emotion in a very human and down to earth way - it comes across as true and then the actors, especially Bernard Hughs and Martin Sheen, carry it out magnificently. I have searched and searched for a DVD copy and have been informed that the Australian DVD will not work here in the USA. Please produce this movie on DVD for the USA. Please.
A week ago I received this DVD free in a national newspaper. Until then , I was unaware of its existence. I have to tell you that this is one of the best movies I have ever seen. Martin Sheen and Barnard Hughes are superb and their interplay is wonderful to see. Martin Sheen is excellent as the grieving son but is, in my opinion, surpassed by Barnard Hughes as the irascible Da. The film is a simple story but is all of the following ; unusual, funny, sad, uplifting and heartwarming.Everything about this movie oozes class, from the wonderful opening title music to the wonderful Irish humor of Da. You may have difficulty obtaining this movie on DVD, as I haven't seen it anywhere but if you do find it, even on video, you just have to see it.I promise you will love it.
Did you know
- TriviaThe original Broadway production of "Da" by Hugh Leonard opened at the Morosco Theater in New York on May 1, 1978, ran for 697 performances and won the 1978 Tony Award for the Best Play. Barnard Hughes recreated his stage role in the movie version and the screenplay was written by Hugh Leonard who wrote the original stage play.
- GoofsCharlie and Young Charlie pronounce "clerk" in the American fashion; in Britain and Ireland it is pronounced like "clark."
Details
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $644,532
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $11,085
- May 1, 1988
- Gross worldwide
- $644,532
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