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2 reviews
BOORMAN and GLEESON: perfect combination
Many directors have their favorite actors and John Boorman's seems to be Brendan Gleeson. Whether it be a lead like THE GENERAL or a supporting role in IN MY COUNTRY, Gleeson seems to be adept at playing the common man with his skillful technique of simple, organic choices that make each character likable and relatable, save a psychopathic criminal in CON AIR. In THE GENERAL, Gleeson plays famed Irish thief, Martin Cahill who stole from the rich, to give to himself. Although he was no Robin Hood, he was indeed likeable for his cunning in fleecing aristocrats of their jewels and fine art. But alas, it is the latter that takes Cahill and his gang into a tangled descent that inspires the wrath of the IRA and a Chief inspector, played, with a questionable Irish accent, by John Voight. This film caught me by surprise the first time I saw it and and the story, along with a cast of Irish actors, like Sean McGinley, commanded that I buy it to add to my growing collection. It's a well told tale that takes you into the Irish world of politics and principles and the people who live and die in the middle of it all.Read full review...
The General Excels
Exceptional Brit/Irish crime film, with blazing performances by Brendan Gleeson and Jon Voight. One of the better of it's ilk.