Review of White Irish Drinkers (2011) by Alice F — 14 Mar 2011

Every once in a while, a film comes along that leaves you changed forever. A film whose characters are woven into the tapestry of whom you are... who live in your memory and mind, splashed in vivid color, full of intelligence and pathos and joy and pain... full of LIFE.

Such are the characters of this film. In short, I loved it. I loved everything about this remarkable film.

The writing was impeccable - characters who are real and alive and believable spoke to every kind of person. The personalities were so skillfully created, the dialogue penned so perfectly, the storyline moving along beautifully - needed elements inserted at just the right moment.

I confess, I never was a huge fan of dramas - I lean more toward comedies, action, and scifi. I like to be entertained. And I had a childhood more defined by privilege, generous love, and there was nothing in the way of struggle. So I might expect a person such as I am to not find much to relate to in this film. Yet I related to EVERY aspect of it. I related to the characters who struggled with life, with each other, and with the greatest foe we all have - self. I think ANY person could relate to this story and its characters.

I wept to their pain and exulted in their triumphs. I worried over their anxieties - this beautiful film immerses the viewer entirely. Watching it, nothing else existed... only the story. And what a story!

The cinematography is absolutely beautiful. Light is skillfully employed to contribute to the mood and feel of the film. The editing, sound, music - everything is marvelous.

And the acting? Oh, the acting. Those actors occupied the characters with such skill (and outstanding directing) that I forgot prior films I had seen these people in. Indeed, they never had been in any other films... they WERE the characters! That is the hallmark of splendid acting and directing. You don't see an actor at all. You see a full character. Wow.

I know this is an extremely glowing report. But it is such an amazing film I cannot help myself. Anyone fortunate enough to see this film will not soon forget it. It is the essence of perfection in filmmaking.