User reviews

As a regular at all the Dublin film festivals to date I was disappointed to miss this film during this years programme.

The old story of a clash of films on the same night.Now that it has been given a long overdue release in 2 Dublin cinemas I caught up,and I was delighted to have seen it at last.

This film is a little gem,beautifully paced and filmed, great work from cinematographer Tim Fleming.We know it is set in Ireland,but without any large city or town imposing itself,it could be in an rural setting in Europe,the Americas, north and south,or the Antipodes,such was the general ambiance of the setting.As an antidote to mainstream films there was no violence, no CGI stuff, no foul language,it was well written & well acted. With only 6 main characters they managed to tell a story that was timeless.A big gruff-looking,but gentle man copes with his sad life through his music and old friendships

Small Engine Repair is a great film. It is well acted, written and directed and though I'm not a fan of Country Music, I enjoyed the music throughout the movie especially the ones performed by the main character.

A previous reviewer bemoaned the tameness of the film - "where's the violence".I think that misses the point. For me the confrontation scenes were quite powerful thanks to the great script and acting.

The same reviewer comments that the film tries to emulate American movies of the 70s. I know what they mean and the setting and soundtrack would definitely remind you of them. But I found the tone of the film closer to British kitchen-sink drama.

The only fault I found was the occasional falling in and out of accent by the main actors.

Overall though I really enjoyed this film, not an action-fest or laugh- a-minute, but if you're looking for some good, honest, drama then this will work for you.