Da

"Da" is such a wonderful movie. The acting is superb and the grief process wonderfully dramatized. As a descendant of Irish families this story made me laugh and cry - I recognized the antics and special ways of many of my relatives who filled my life with color and drama! Hugh Leonard has told a story of deep emotion in a very human and down to earth way - it comes across as true and then the actors, especially Bernard Hughs and Martin Sheen, carry it out magnificently. I have searched and searched for a DVD copy and have been informed that the Australian DVD will not work here in the USA. Please produce this movie on DVD for the USA. Please.

... and yet virtually no one I know has ever heard of it. A story of reminiscence, regret, and reconciliation (a little too late), as Charlie, a successful Broadway playwright, returns home to Ireland for his father's funeral. His father, though dead, is very much alive in Charlie's thoughts.

Every character in the movie is 100% believable, and real. The dialogues are genuine, ordinary, but insightful, and keenly sculpted. It's clear that Hugh Leonard crafted this as a play, and the cinematography leaves you with more of a stage feeling, than a film setting, but this doesn't detract from some stellar performances by the venerable Bernard Hughes, and what is probably Martin Sheen's finest performance.

Funny, timeless, and ultimately very sad and touching. I hate to gush, but this movie brings it out in me. Flawless.

I am not a fan of Martin Sheen by any stretch of the imagination. I will move on to another channel by instinct if he happens to appear on the screen. However, I remember seeing this on TV many years ago and never seeing it again. It must have been one of his best performances. This came out shortly after my father passed away, and I was mesmerized by the mental conflicts that were haunting Charlie as he attempted to come to terms with the death of his father. The mix of humor and mental anguish brought me up and then plummeted me to the ground throughout the film. It was much like a roller-coaster ride, cautious at one moment at what might come next, but yet anxious to see what it might be. I would like to see the film again, Martin Sheen's performance was outstanding.

Loved this movie and have played it several times over. This is the only project to top "The Quiet Man" as my favourite Irish film.

William Hickey as Drumm comes out with the keenest observations in the film, Doreen Hepburn captures the spirit of all Irish "mammies" (bless them) while the peerless Barnard Hughes adds the mischief and humour. Other parts (young Charlie, Boy Charlie and Oliver) are portrayed beautifully by a wealth of young Irish talent. The scene at the wake when the various mourners talk about the departed is 100% on the nail for accuracy.

I had the very great pleasure of meeting Martin Sheen on the set of "Da" in Ardmore studios and he was utterly charming.

The movie was interesting but the sad thing is that when a movie is not in Midwestern English dialect it very hard to follow. The Irish brogue has a person trying to figure out what was said and by the time you figure it out you is in another seen. Close Captions are a great learning tool for all ages.