The Drummer and the Keeper

I just love everything about this movie. Couldn't fault it. The story is so unique and it has been treated with such care and respect. Acting is brilliant with great soundtrack and directing. What is it about these Irish movies? Begosh and begorrah, they're a joy to watch.

This movie kept me spellbound, a difficult feat (believe me). Both of the main characters, one with bipolar and the other with Asperger's, were entirely credible, amazingly so, as was the (rocky) development of their friendship. Heartwarming, yes, but painful at times also. Good music too. But this is an Irish production and the accents are sometimes difficult to follow. While I stuck with it (and am very glad I did so), it would have been a relief to be able to turn on subtitles!

We saw this movie at the Capitol Irish Film Festival sponsored by Solas Nua and the American Film Institute. The friendship which is at the core of this film---between a rock drummer with bi-polar and a young man with Aspergers--who meet up on the football field (soccer, in the U.S.)---is as unlikely as it is life-changing. I couldn't help but be reminded of a long ago children's picture book by Barbara Cooney, called "Miss Rumphius" in which the title character talked about we all must do something to make the world a more beautiful place. Nick Kelly has done that with this film.

I watched this with my son who has Asperger's. He loved it and felt that while characteristics needed to be exaggerated the film got it right. He connected with the characters on so my levels and we laughed and cried together while watching. My adpie boy feels thus should be compulsory viewing for all secondary school children. A wonderful, fun movie

I loved this film when I saw it in the cinema and I loved it even more the 2nd time I saw it on DVD yesterday. The main part that really struck a chord with me was the friendship between the 2 boys and how it began, developed & progressed. What I really found relevant to me was thinking about what was at the core of their friendship and what that means. And, how these friendships can sometimes come from the most unlikely of places but it can be these unexpected (even unusual) friendships that are the ones that can have the most impact in our lives. It reminded me to be more open to these relationships/friendships & letting them develop. And I really believe that if a film can have that kind of impact on someone long after they have left the cinema, then they have done/created something amazing. I found it heartwarming, honest and very witty. I hope many many people get to see this lovely film.