The Commitments
Overview
Alan Parker's THE COMMITMENTS, based on Roddy Doyle's buoyant debut novel, follows the enjoyable travails of a band cobbled together by young Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins), whose vision is to bring soul music to Dublin. After putting an ad in the local paper, Jimmy assembles an unlikely group of musicians who, though nervous, raw, and rough, make music that speaks to something very near the heart of their audience of curious kids and sharp-tongued, sarcastic relatives. As the band nears its big break, egos clash and expectations of fame and fortune start to tear them apart, forcing Jimmy to fight desperately to keep them together. THE COMMITMENTS bubbles over with life, largely on the strength of the young, mostly unknown cast. Andrew Strong shines in the role of the lead singer exuding a volatile and irresistible charisma as he transforms rapidly from an unsure adolescent into an egotistical spotlight hogger. Colm Meaney contributes a hilarious cameo as Jimmy's father (a role that would expand in two later film adaptations of Doyle novels, THE SNAPPER and THE VAN). Pumped along by killer 1960s soul tunes and crackling throughout with quick-witted dialogue, THE COMMITMENTS is an effervescent, affecting tour through working-class Dublin.
Awards:
Main Cast & Crew:
Alan Parker - Director
Angeline Ball
Dave Finnegan
Johnny Murphy
Maria Doyle Kennedy
Michael Aherne
Robert Arkins
Andrew Strong
Bronagh Gallagher
Felim Gormley
Glen Hansard
Details
- Format: DVD
- Color Format: Color
- UPC: 8809154126305
- Genre: DRAMA
- Rating: R
- Release Date: January 1991
Movie Reviews
Reviews:
"...Doyle has a haunting loveliness..." - 09/05/1991 Rolling Stone, p.101
"...A group of talented newcomers....A hyperkinetic jumble, filling the air with song..." - 08/14/1991 New York Times, p.C11
"...An infectious little movie....Robust performances..." - 08/14/1991 USA Today, p.4D
"...There's no resisting THE COMMITMENTS....When that band starts to sing, the screen fills with genuine life..." - 08/30/1991 Los Angeles Times, p.F1
"[With] a stirring soundtrack and exuberant performances." - 08/01/2000 Uncut, p.130
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