The Drummer and the Keeper

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.

I had the pleasure of seeing this wonderful movie at it's very first public screening at the Galway Film Festival and I was blown away. It's so captivating, funny, real, true to life with an emotional build in it that you cannot fail to connect with & be drawn into . The relationship between Gabriel & Christopher is so engrossing as on their own, they struggle to navigate their very different worlds but find a way to cope & move forward once their worlds cross paths & their friendship (with all its ups & downs) takes centre stage.

I have to also mention the music & how powerful it was throughout the movie. It was never overbearing but always there enhancing the feelings that maybe sometimes the characters were struggling to convey themselves.

The writer & director, Nick Kelly did such an amazing job with this. When I watched it on the big screen that evening, I could not believe it was his debut feature film. There are surely great things on the horizon for Nick as a creative force in the film industry. The prolonged & emotional standing ovation the movie got after that debut screening was something I had never witnessed or been a part of before & will not forget soon.

I really could not recommend this film more. Go and watch it, you won't regret it.

What a beautiful, heart-warming, poignant and funny gem of a film. It is very clear that the filmmaker knows his subject well. This sincerity shines through the laughter and the tears.

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!