I Went Down

When I saw this movie, and after I had stopped laughing, I realised that it wasn't a film which was going to travel well. As an Irishman, I've been somewhat disappointed with the recent spate of melodramatic and formulaic films that have been leaving our shores in recent years (i.e. Michael Collins). "I Went Down" is a refreshing release from this trend.

Having read the 'net reviews it seems my fears have been realised. This movie doesn't hold back when it comes to Irish accents, figures of speech and wit. I know I was falling off my seat at the behaviour of the characters, the "Black and Amber" pub and the meeting in the bog. I hope people see it for it was intended to be, an Irish movie, and not criticise it because it doesn't fit under the Hollywood model.

dave.

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 a great movie.

Ok, I'm Irish, I would say that.

However, most English-speaking people would actually have no problem in understanding and appreciating most of the wit, humour and language in the movie, despite all the 'scare-mongering' on the web. In fact the movie proved to be very popular in non-English-speaking countries as well. The film contains a good measure of violence mixed with humour that isn't forced. The situations presented in the movie, while being out of the ordinary, are presented in a way people can relate to, more-so than many American movies of a similar vein.(I'm talking about the usual mob based story involving million dollar drugs deals, corrupt FBI agents, rogue-turned-hero and the like. That just doesn't happen too regularly outside the confines of script-writer's minds and movie theatres.) 'I Went Down', by not being over-ambitious with either its villains or heroes, creates more believable characters and a situation that could happen anywhere.(It probably won't, but then again it could...groovy, huh?)

I must admit, I didn't enjoy this movie very much when I saw it in the cinema. But then I watched it again when it was on television.and it blew me away. The humour got to me and its one of the few movies I laugh out loud to.

I urge anyone who didn't enjoy it first time 'round, give it a second chance. Those who haven't seen it - Rent it NOW! Here's the teaser that'll bug you until you do see it (and that'll make those of you have seen it smile smugly to yourselves ;^) - Think about the balaclava scene, think about the gun that Bunny gives Git and you're thinking about cinematic comedy classics.

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.