The Disappearance of Finbar

A movie said to be Irish-English-Swedish was enough to make me watch it when it was on TV, but I must say I'm disappointed. The movie starts out in Ireland, Finbar disappears, then half the movie goes by, and then suddenly Finbar decides to phone up his old friend Danny, telling him he's in Sweden. If the movie was half-interesting and believable in the beginning, after Danny goes to Sweden, it becomes decreasingly interesting and believable.

The scenery is really nice (even though I personally can't stand being in the north of Sweden because of all the snow and the freezing cold), but lovely nature pictures of it doesn't make up for the complete lack of anything resembling a proper plot. It's far too weak! Why did Danny go all that way and through all that trouble to search for Finbar, when Finbar was a completely selfish prat who no one in their right mind could really care about (let alone the movie audience!) - which we learn from the first 5 minutes of the film? The story's so full of plot holes it could compete with a Swiss cheese!

The only good thing about it, apart from the scenery pictures, is the Irish accent, and a chance to recognise some people who were in "Michael Collins", plus Lorraine Pilkington ("Monarch of the Glen"). That's about it. Sure, you can watch this movie if you've got nothing better to do, but you'd be better off watching something else.

Bizarre, beautiful and quite unique; The Disappearance of Finbar is a difficult film to classify, starting out as a straightforward tale of teenage friendship turned to rivalry, transforming suddenly into a slow-burning, quiet but frequently wonderful oddyssey as Danny sets off on his trek through Sweden's stunning snowfields in search of the long-lost Finbar. Rhys-Myers is an unpredictable ball of energy while maintaining just enough of an air of mystery and distance, contrasting with Griffin's subtle Danny. The landscapes are to die for, the music grows on you and the film has a lingering, haunting quality. A little seen gem, this is the kind of movie that'll be adored and detested in equal proportion. 8/10

I initially saw this movie b/c I am a Jonathan Rhys-Meyers fan and had not seen the film. The start of the film was a tad slow for my tastes, but as it got on, I got more into it. When Finbar actually disappears (preluded with very smart, energetic gut acting by Rhys-Meyers) and Danny decides to look for him, I really started paying attention. It was an interesting trip. The music was great, the scenery shots were gorgeous, and I thought Danny was doing good detective work. There is an element of humor in the film that really got me. I wasn't expecting it, but it was there, though subtle.

Griffin does a fine job as Danny. He is understated and very likable. Rhys-Meyers' Finbar is very interesting. He is a mysterious figure that we never get the real deal on. We get a look here and there of real emotion and feeling, but I don't know Finbar. The energy Jonathan gave the role was a little unexpected (I expected him to be more subdued), but it was a perfect foil for Danny.

All in all, I thought it was a good film, worth the time to see.

Dealing with the search for friendship, love, freedom and your own identity, this is surely the best film I know. Music, landscape and the characters build an unique atmosphere, that is mystic in a way, but most of all an expression of a longing and seeking mood. A film to find yourself! Or as Sue Clayton says, it is a film about the wanderer of Irish Legend and his chronist. And surely everyone is invited to share this wandering.

Did he jump or did he fall?

Irishmen drink booze, curse and play football, the Swedes drink moonshine, dance tango and take care of reindeer. Welcome to Prejudice County.

Sue Clayton film is nothing but a big messy pile of crap. It tries so hard to do something different, but fails to do anything at all. Weird occurrences and odd characters with a snowy Swedish backdrop are supposed to create some sort of surreal mood, but Clayton can't even pull that off. All we get an incoherent story about an Irish guy who runs off to Sweden. It would be nice if they put something worth the time and money into the film.

The movie had no meaning, no story, no interesting elements. For your own safety, and your kids', avoid this repugnant piece of bullpoo.