The Disappearance of Finbar

I saw this one accidentally in the morning in tv. it was ok to watch at breakfast, i thought first. the film didn´t seem to have a goal, it just went on, with nothing really happening, just "real-life". but it somehow got me, and i went on watching. the story was as aimless as danny´s search, but it had its magic moments. i bought the soundtrack today (it was reduced!) and i like it, because it is as calm as the whole film. 7/10

This is a movie of two halves,first half in Ireland and the second half in sweden, which implies the purpose of the film is two-fold. Firstly it could be seen as a comparison between two cultures.A study in human nature.It shows that although the customs are different(clothes,music taste,food and so on) the basic human emotions are the same non-the-less. Secondly the film deals with these feelings.It portrays both sides of the coin.It shows how these emotions could be manipulated and turned into an item of fascination for other people(pop video...) and how also they could transcend borders,cultures,shackles imposed by society and so on to create something beautiful(friendship of Danny and Finbar, relationship of Abbi and Danny...). On the sideline it also suggests to you to go out and discover the world, ENJOY THE SNOW AND FRESH AIR!

Bizarre, beautiful and quite unique; The Disappearance of Finbar is a difficult film to classify, starting out as a straightforward tale of teenage friendship turned to rivalry, transforming suddenly into a slow-burning, quiet but frequently wonderful oddyssey as Danny sets off on his trek through Sweden's stunning snowfields in search of the long-lost Finbar. Rhys-Myers is an unpredictable ball of energy while maintaining just enough of an air of mystery and distance, contrasting with Griffin's subtle Danny. The landscapes are to die for, the music grows on you and the film has a lingering, haunting quality. A little seen gem, this is the kind of movie that'll be adored and detested in equal proportion. 8/10

I initially saw this movie b/c I am a Jonathan Rhys-Meyers fan and had not seen the film. The start of the film was a tad slow for my tastes, but as it got on, I got more into it. When Finbar actually disappears (preluded with very smart, energetic gut acting by Rhys-Meyers) and Danny decides to look for him, I really started paying attention. It was an interesting trip. The music was great, the scenery shots were gorgeous, and I thought Danny was doing good detective work. There is an element of humor in the film that really got me. I wasn't expecting it, but it was there, though subtle.

Griffin does a fine job as Danny. He is understated and very likable. Rhys-Meyers' Finbar is very interesting. He is a mysterious figure that we never get the real deal on. We get a look here and there of real emotion and feeling, but I don't know Finbar. The energy Jonathan gave the role was a little unexpected (I expected him to be more subdued), but it was a perfect foil for Danny.

All in all, I thought it was a good film, worth the time to see.

A real oddity, this mixed bag of a film. The early establishing scenes are so ineptly handled, and so protracted, yet the film suddenly springs into life in the second half, when we get across to Finland. Here we have some stunning scenery and an interesting look at a part of the world that doesn't often appear on the cinema screen. Even here it falters occasionally, in that the main story is all but forgotten in what amounts to little more than a quirky travelogue. If the opening half had been a little more engaging, then the ensuing developments would have had far more power. As it stands, we are left with a film not devoid of charm. The humorous moments seem a little forced and not always successful, and the overall impression is of the amateurishness of the entire enterprise. Shame, because there was a lot of scope here.