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.

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.

Martin Sheen can do no wrong in my book. All his roles reflect reality and truth and this film is no exception. Any one of us who has lost a crotchety, cranky old parent can relate to this movie as Martin tries to understand his history with his father and how it has shaped him and impacted on him. Barnard Hughes is a delight as is the boss from the office. I have known these people in Ireland, they lived and breathed all around me in the sixties. Well done again, Hugh Leonard.

Irish writer Hugh Leonard has made a career out of coming to terms with his father's death, writing first a book and then a theatrical play about the experience, and now a screen adaptation of the same play, each of them an unashamedly sentimental vehicle for his memories of the proud but playful old man. Of the three it probably works best on screen, where the episodic timeline and playful unreality of the script are better served by creative editing, and by some handsome location photography (in the Irish seaside village of Dalkey). Martin Sheen, fatally miscast, portrays the expatriate Irishman who returns to the Shamrock Shores to bury the body and memory of his father, but not before trading some serio-comic banter with the old man's spirit and reviewing with him the key episodes of their life together. The screen version makes little attempt to camouflage the awkward stage dialogue, but does at least serve it with a gentle air of whimsy and plenty of local brogue. Barnard Hughes recreates his award-winning performance in the title role, but the entire cast is upstaged by a pet dog with an aversion to the Catholic Church.

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.