I Went Down

"I Went Down" is a droll, sometime monotonous, sometimes clever comedy about a couple of guys who run an errand for a small time gangster and end up embroiled an underworld scheme of very limited proportions. The film spends most of its time studying the characters involved as its mildly humorous story unfolds leading to an eventful conclusion which may or may not be worth the wait depending on individual taste. "I Went Down", the title, is a double entendre representative of the very subtle humor the film embodies. A worthwhile watch for those who enjoy puns and dry humor.

When watching this movie for the first time on the Trio network, I felt a little iffy about it. I've never seen an Irish film prior to this--unless you count the "Leprechaun" movies...lol. The accents were hard to understand, and they still are. But as I watched the film more and more, I better understood the dialogue. Of course, I could use the luxury of putting on the closed-captions, but every time I do it feels weird. Besides, it takes all the fun out of it.

I've seen Brendan Gleeson in other movies, though. I remember him from "Lake Placid" and "Mission Impossible 2." He's a very talented actor, and for the first time I got to hear him talk in his native tongue. He's very funny in this film, and says some very funny lines. I get more adjusted to the Irish brand of humor in repeat viewings. When I first saw it, I just chuckled here and there. But earlier today I watched it and I was laughing out loud. It's good to watch a movie that actually gets BETTER the more times you watch it.

The other actor is good as well, in a more low-key role. There are some very beautiful women in this movie, including Git's ex-girlfriend and the blondie he sleeps with later in the story. Now both of those girls were breathtakingly gorgeous! Makes me wanna take a trip to Ireland. If 90 percent of the women are that beautiful, then I'd love to cruise around those streets.

"I Went Down" is funny, original, fast-paced and very entertaining. I'm glad I bought a copy of the movie--it was only $4.99, can you believe that? I love this movie, and the next I watch it I'll love it even more! Be sure to check out this imported gem.

My score: 7 (out of 10)

I Went Down is a gem of a movie. Although it has been fairly overlooked, it in my opinion is one of the best Irish movies to date. Before films like 'Lock, Stock...' and 'Intermission' made these colloquial crime-capers the fashion, this fast-paced, funny and thoroughly enjoyable action movie hit the big screens. Brendan Gleeson, as ever, is outstanding in his role as Bunny Kelly, but he's not on his own by any means. There are no other big names, but there is some very big performances. Much like the aforementioned 'Lock, stock...' the dialogue is what steals the show, but it's also well shot, and plot is great. I Went Down shouldn't be missed.

I found this movie playing in a cool little theater in Bar Harbor ME. Had never heard a thing about it but it sounded fun. What a great time. I can`t believe it hasn't gotten more attention. Definitley worth checking out.

I Went Down is directed by Paddy Breathnach and written by Conor McPherson. It stars Peter McDonald, Brendan Gleeson, Tony Doyle and Peter Caffrey. Music is by Dario Marianelli and cinematography by Cian de Buitlear.

Fresh out of prison, Git Hynes (McDonald) runs into trouble with local mob boss Tom French (Doyle) and finds himself having to work off a debt to him. He's to accompany Bunny Kelly (Gleeson) to Cork and locate Frank Grogan (Caffrey) and bring him back to Dublin. There's some murky history at the core of this request, but for now Bunny and Git must survive each other and a host of life challenges before they begin to worry about Tom French's motives.

Hugely popular in Ireland for a number of years, this independent comedy/drama is finally starting to get noticed by a wider home viewing audience. Film takes a couple of likable rogues and sets them off on a topsy-turvy journey of peril and self discovery. So far so formulaic then. No question about it, plot is unadventurous and outcome is hardly in the realms of the twisty surprise. But dialogue and character interactions are sharp and vital, often cutting and witty. The actors are ever watchable (especially Gleeson and Caffrey), while the fact that the story focuses on a different Ireland to the one that's often tainted by "The Troubles", gives the film a freshness that off sets the standard buddy buddy road movie formula of the plot.

Director Breathnach goes for the slow burn approach, choosing to let McPherson's script dominate the picture. Yes there's some action, and good sequences flit in and out of the narrative, but the director is mostly about letting his characters breath, fully forming them with each passage of play during the guy's journey/mission. Even a sex scene is deftly slotted in and comes out as tasteful and a further expansion on the character of Git Hynes. It's thoughtful film making as regards being a character driven piece. There's a most interesting side issue involving the women in Git's and Bunny's lives, two men just about traversing the path on the wrong side of the law, both with gal trouble that gnaws away at their masculinity.

It's not the Irish Midnight Run, as I was personally led to believe it was, and any expectation of a violent fun fest will only lead to disappointment. But it has many virtues to make it a safe recommendation to those that enjoy crisp and intelligent dialogue and fully formed characterisations. Nice photography, too. 7/10