Ian Bannen
Jackie O'Shea
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Comedy
When a lottery winner dies of shock, his fellow townsfolk attempt to claim the money.
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| Release Date | 1998-09-15 |
|---|---|
| Runtime | 1h 31m |
| Directors | Kirk Jones, Henry Braham |
| Producers | Alexandre Heylen, Richard Holmes, Glynis Murray, Stephen Margolis, Neil Peplow, Martell |
| Writer | Kirk Jones |
I know that no movie is perfect, but I am hard pressed to think of any criticism for this movie, known as Waking Ned Devine here in the U.S. Perhaps I will come up with a weakness by the time I finish writing this.
This is a feel good movie from start to finish. Okay, a character dies at the beginning, but only right after he wins the lottery. They set up the action by introducing several characters and fill in background on them. Then the story itself is told simply and well.
Kirk Jones wrote and directed the film, which apparently stated out to be a ten-minute short. Fortunately for all of us, he was encouraged to expand it to a full-length feature. It won or was nominated for a lot of awards. So,e actors agreed to be made less than usual to ensure the film got made, and I believe some people who lived where it was filmed (Isle of Man) took part also. Oddly enough, Jones still only has a handful of film writing credits. Before movies he made some very successful advertising commercials.
In addition to being a funny, charming movie, the soundtrack is one of my favorites for a movie. The music sets the mood and even helps tell the story in places.
Well, sorry, I guess I didn’t think of anything critical to say about Waking Ned (Devine).
— Peter McGinn