Waking Ned Devine

Fionnula Flanagan, Ian Bannen and David Kelly, are just a few of an excellent cast in this tale about an Irish Lotto-winner, who is unable to collect.

Never have I seen a lovelier yarn, and, I tell ye', I've seen a few! Jackie O'Shea (Ian Bannen) figures out that one of the inhabitants in the local hamlet must have won the latest Lotto draw, and does he best to find out who, by every mean possible, and eventually finds out who.

I don't want to spoil it, but it sure is a lovely story! Very close to a masterpiece, and it gets better each time I see it!

Yours, Tord

Somewhere in the mountains of coastal Ireland is a small rural village which may be transformed over-night. It seems that Ned Devine, one of the town's many seniors, has just won the national lottery, and died. Jackie (Ian Bannen) discovers both facts, as well as the body, and devises a plan to keep the winnings between himself, his wife and his best friend Michael (David Kelly). But things get complicated as a sneezing lottery agent comes to investigate the claim.

This 'grey comedy' has an expansive humor and a great big heart despite its apparently morbid themes. And writer director Kirk Jones does a very nice job of creating real and believable characters despite the often preposterous turns of events. There is also a touch of romance, heart-felt friendship and a great deal of goodness examined in this odd little tale. The eulogy scene near the end is the film's climax, and it is as touching as it is perfectly written. Bannen, who delivered the lines that made this scene himself passed on a year after this film was released. R.I.P, Mr. Bannen, and thanks for what you gave us in this film.

The acting is excellent all around. Bannen, Kelly, James Nesbitt and Susan Lynch were all stand-outs for me, but the entire cast should be equally commended. The cinematography is fairly standard but doesn't shy away from contributing some magic to this almost magical story. And the landscape in which the film was made is gorgeous and as believable as it gets.

Highly recommended for fans of truly independent cinema.

You can't get a better setting than the Celtic highlands, and likewise, the native actors will make you feel like the characters are real. This is more than just a feel good movie, it is a feast of emotions, dreams and the joy of life. The late Ian Bannon is outstanding as Jackie O'Shea, the leader of a fantasy which he manages to hopefully turn into reality. His friend Ned is in fact the bearer of very positive remarks about a chicken dinner that Jackie has cooked and delivered, and in his praise, Ned takes Jackie into the light. With the help of his lifelong best friend, Michael O'Sullivan, played wonderfully by David Kelly, the adventure from fantasy and a strong desire for hope become a classic story worth adding to anyone's movie collection.

An afternoon tea on a warm summer day is still seen by some people as an enjoyable way to rid oneself of the tensions of the day and to allow oneself to slow down and feel at ease. Waking Ned is a sort of afternoon tea for cinemagoers. Nothing really bad happens. There are no really tense moments, or serious threats to life or liberty, for the mostly likeable but roguish characters. That's what makes the film so appealing!!

There are maybe two characters that quickly lose the audiences sympathy and both get their comeuppance in different ways. One, a truly "nasty piece of work", is reminiscent of the wicked witch from The Wizard of Oz ( the parallel should be readily evident to the viewer). This character meets her demise in the most hilarious manner possible for a likeable film such as this.

On the whole Waking Ned is a refreshing film that is "Feel Good" all the way through without laying on thick layers of mush. No need for the hankies folks but there's plenty of room to toast the villagers' of Tully Moor!!

This is a beautiful little film, touching on the universal themes of friendship, and the corrupting power of money and greed. It was a sleeper back when it was released, but got very good word of mouth. Sure it's sentimental and plays somewhat on stereotypes (I'm assuming, as I've never actually spent any time in a small Irish village), but the cast includes many great Irish and British character actors (especially the late Ian Bannen), and it's funny, well directed, beautifully shot, joyous and ultimately life-affirming. I've seen it with several friends, and they all dug it. The music is also very enjoyable, especially the last song, "The Parting Glass".