I dilettanti

"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 to see this movie and was enjoying it, and then it came to the bit where they were rescuing the hostage from the house. Imagine my surprise when I realised that the house in question was in fact my own one!! My girlfriend and I had just bought it a month before and knew nothing about the fact that it was used as a location in the movie....the surrounding woodland on the property was also used for other scenes. Needless to say our attention was rivetted to the screen from then on, but that said, it was a very entertaining movie anyhow. I do however think you need to have a certain understanding of the Irish psyche and way of life to get full value from the hilarious script. Brendan Gleeson and Peter MacDonald both excellent, even if they did have a shoot-out at my kitchen door!!

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.