Going into this film I had no idea what to expect. I don't like watching trailers or reading premises, and as often as I can, I go in blind. All I knew and needed to know was that it was a Martin McDonagh written and directed film. This man always finds a way to enthrall and amaze with his trademark of poetically comedic misery.
So at the very least, I had the expectation of walking away from this cinematic experience satisfied and happy to have been there, which I certainly did.
The story revolves around small conflicts on a small Irish island in the 1920s, with the Irish civil war rumbling in the background. Indeed it's a tale of how misery only leads to more misery, the value of kindness and being simply nice.
By presenting this very small scale story with these larger than life characters The Banshees of Inisherin becomes a greatly relatable (fairy-)tale about the way war and other mindless conflict only hurts everyone involved. No matter who's in the perceived "right", in the end everyone suffers and no-one wins.
While the subject matter is certainly quite depressing and often bizarre, it makes the contrasting comedic moments all the more potent and truly hilarious. The emotional journey is everything but spelled out, and the film doesn't attempt to cheaply manipulate the audience's experience at all. The balance between the wonderfully organic escalation of events and it's awesome theatrical presentation is spot on.
Technically the camera work, the location, the editing and basically every little detail shown on screen is a feast of epic proportions. Martin McDonagh's directing and dialogue is incredibly charming and purposeful.
The accompanying performances are utterly superb, especially Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Kerry Condon. Barry Keoghan also manages to pull off a type of character, who could easily feel forced or obnoxious to near perfect endearment.
I'm happy to once again having the privilege to see such a different and unique film, by a cast and crew who clearly gave it their all.
Thank you! This film is a masterpiece.
So at the very least, I had the expectation of walking away from this cinematic experience satisfied and happy to have been there, which I certainly did.
The story revolves around small conflicts on a small Irish island in the 1920s, with the Irish civil war rumbling in the background. Indeed it's a tale of how misery only leads to more misery, the value of kindness and being simply nice.
By presenting this very small scale story with these larger than life characters The Banshees of Inisherin becomes a greatly relatable (fairy-)tale about the way war and other mindless conflict only hurts everyone involved. No matter who's in the perceived "right", in the end everyone suffers and no-one wins.
While the subject matter is certainly quite depressing and often bizarre, it makes the contrasting comedic moments all the more potent and truly hilarious. The emotional journey is everything but spelled out, and the film doesn't attempt to cheaply manipulate the audience's experience at all. The balance between the wonderfully organic escalation of events and it's awesome theatrical presentation is spot on.
Technically the camera work, the location, the editing and basically every little detail shown on screen is a feast of epic proportions. Martin McDonagh's directing and dialogue is incredibly charming and purposeful.
The accompanying performances are utterly superb, especially Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Kerry Condon. Barry Keoghan also manages to pull off a type of character, who could easily feel forced or obnoxious to near perfect endearment.
I'm happy to once again having the privilege to see such a different and unique film, by a cast and crew who clearly gave it their all.
Thank you! This film is a masterpiece.