The Battle of the Bogside, Headrush, Blind Flight, and You Looking at Me? are all titles which inspire thought of the next action thriller coming from the studios of Hollywood. But Bruce Willis shouldn't worry.
The Boston College Center for Irish Programs fifth annual Irish Film Series, which began Feb. 27 and will continue through April 4, features extraordinary celluloid perspectives of the culture. In the past, BC has shown over 50 contemporary Irish, British, and American films and this year's series promises to be the best yet. This series was developed in conjunction with West Newton Cinema, an independently owned and operated theater showcasing contemporary and cutting-edge American and international films. The movies offer a glimpse of Ireland's present, while incorporating its intricate past.
The series, depicting the actual people and events of current day Ireland, conveys the rich history and beauty of Ireland. The country's past is brought to life through excellent acting and storylines that make jaws drop. Cinematography lends a tangible quality to the Irish people through an understanding of locations and homes.
The 11 films in this year's series touch upon several aspects of the Irish culture. These elements include God, love, family, and daily living.
With the union between the University's Center for Irish Programs and West Newton Cinema, the films being shown this year are, "Cutting-edge contemporary films, which - especially in March - are an alternative to another stereotype," said Robert Savage, co-director for the Irish Studies Program and film series curator.
The stereotypes he refers to come with the commercialization of St. Patrick's Day, which stirs images that purport to be typical depictions of actual Irish living, but fails to capture the ever elusive spirit of Irish heritage.
Although St. Patrick's Day is meant to celebrate the Irish heritage - and who isn't Irish on March 17? - few people actually discover what present day Ireland is actually like, or even how it got that way. The film series changes this.
Having gotten pleasing publicity in The Boston Globe, the Boston Herald, and The New York Times, as well as other local papers, the series has drawn a variety of movie goers, including families and those of all ages, seeking Irish heritage.
In addition, the fresh, modern movies received extremely positive feedback from the crowd. Movies that project a sense of humor are also among the top tier of picks.
All of the movies in the series are carefully and deliberately chosen. After the Irish Studies Program screens several movies from Irish directors, it decides which it will show. The program obtains screenings of the movies by contacting the directors, as well as through word of mouth among the film industry producers in Ireland.
In the past, the directors of the movies have come out to discuss their films with the audience after the film's showing. This year, Colm Meany, a star of The Boys and Girl from County Clare had a question and answer session with the audience after the showing of the movie on Feb. 27.
The series began this year with the United States debut of The Boys and Girl from County Clare. In this 2005 movie, two estranged brothers have a chance to rediscover their pasts as members of rival bands in 1970s Ireland.
The Halo Effect is the story of a small restaurant owner who struggles with gambling debts and loan sharks, while still trying to maintain a business and community. It is an emotional movie which pulls the audience through a weaving pattern of the restaurant owner's desperate actions as he tries to keep himself alive from the cronies of the loan sharks who have no mercy.
The friends of the owner are a diverse group of adults who are all struggling with their own demons. The film's depiction of the owner's actions for one week - and his life - come down to a card game of Snap.
"Halo Effect is a great movie. I would definitely recommend it. I loved the characters and their depth. Seeing the movie on St. Patrick's Day made the day even better," said Jennifer Seleman, A&S '07.
Black Day at Black Rocks (2000) will be playing in Devlin 008 tonight at 6:30 p.m. It tells the story of the day in a small Irish community, Black Rock, when the town's citizens discover they are going to be providing a home to 30 asylum seekers.
On March 27, Holy Cross will be shown at the West Newton Cinema. The film is set within the actual event of the 2001 Ardoyne Road dispute in Belfast. In this fight, the rights of Catholic Ardoyne area school girls were questioned as they had to walk through predominantly Protestant Glenbryn to reach their grade school.
On April 4, the series comes to a close with the showing of Failte Mr. President. This movie tells of President Reagan's visit to Ireland in 1984. Including the unexpected protests receiving the president in Ireland, this film depicts an element in the breaking down of relations between Ireland and the United States. It is just one more facet of the Irish history shown in this series
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