A little theory of mine

[Iain Robb]

Alfred Hitchcock made a movie of the play Juno and the Paycock by Irish playwright Sean O'Casey, both of which were rather depressing.

[Colin]

The Matchmaker, American Women, The Boys & Girl From County Clare, The Commitments were all fun, but I have to agree Greg. Let's not forget how uplifting and lighthearted Angela's Ashes was.....

Even when you get into stories of Irish immigrants such as In America, Far and Away(depressing to have to sit through it), Ned Kelly, and so many films depicting Irish Americans they are all pretty depressing.

Surprising given that Ireland is so full of beauty, adventure, culture, and filled with some of the friendliest people around.

Here's a good list of films http://www.irishfilm.net/bio.html

[auld argonian]

Quackser Fortune Has A Cousin In The Bronx

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066266/

...although I'm guessing that it was produced by a US studio.

Best

AA

[macwilkin]

Here's to the Irish
The Men that God made mad
For all their wars are merry
And all their songs are sad.

- G.K.Chesterton

Some things never change, I suppose...

[beloitpiper]

I doubt if there is any indigenous Irish film industry

Bord Scannán na hÉireann would disagree with you.

[Beertigger]

'The Mighty Celt' makes 'Old Yeller' look like a Disney musical...

[slohairt]

The War of the Buttons and The Snapper were both comedic and entertaining. Both, incidentally, feature Colm Meaney.

[turpin]

I haven't seen anyone mention "Into the West" - a film about redemption. very good.

[Carolina Kiltman]

Personally i find Boondock Saints hilarious. Aside from that, i agree, Irish movies tend to be quite sad. It rather reminds me of an old quote about the Irish that says "All their songs are sad, and all their wars are merry."

I believe it was G K Chesterton: "The Great Gaels of Ireland God hath made quite mad. All their wars are merry and all their song are sad."

There seems to a strain of this type of melancholy almost as a genetic trait. (I know I am skating on very thin ice here.) Many of my very dear friends, who are first generation Irish Americans, have this trait.

Perhaps film has replaced songs in this instance.

I think you are spot on with your conclusion here.

[macwilkin]

I believe it was G K Chesterton: "The Great Gaels of Ireland God hath made quite mad. All their wars are merry and all their song are sad."

It was -- see my post above.

T.