Films about the Irish Famine are a powerful and poignant genre that explores the devastating period in Irish history. The Irish Famine, also known as the Great Hunger, occurred between 1845 and 1852 when Ireland experienced a catastrophic failure of the potato crop, resulting in widespread famine, disease, and mass emigration.
Here are some existing films about the Irish Famine:
“Black '47”, 2017
Director: Lance Daly
Set during the Great Famine, this film follows an Irish Ranger who returns from war to find his family dead and his homeland devastated. Seeking revenge, he embarks on a mission to confront those responsible for the suffering of his people.
Starring: James Frecheville, Hugo Weaving, Stephen Rea, Freddie Fox, Andrew Bennett, Barry Keoghan, Moe Dunford, Sarah Greene, Jim Broadbent, Ronan O'Connor, John Cronin, Ella Grace Lee, Keanu Parks, Brandon Maher, Aidan McArdle, Peadar Cox, Ryan McAllister, Donal O'Shea, Jeff Konter, Laurence O'Fuarain, Finbar Lynch, Keith McErlean, Fiach Kunz, Dermot Crowley, Ciaran Grace, John Quinn, Diarmuid de Faoite, Philip Dutton, Kieran Boland, Ruairí Heading, Sheila Moylette, Geraldine McAlinden, John Mollot, Will Higgins, Julian Nest, Valerie Scott, Mike Tereba, Lee Crowley, Laurent Marchetti, Olivier Biwer, Antonia Campbell-Hughes, Aymeric Harter, Liam McEvoy, Ally Ni Chiarain, Michael Reed, Colm Seoighe, Dan Shanley, Ian Tilson;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: action, drama, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “Black '47” on the website imdb.com
“The Secret of Kells”, 2008
Director: Tomm Moore, Nora Twomey
While not solely focused on the Irish Famine, this animated film tells the story of a young boy in medieval Ireland who embarks on a magical adventure to complete the Book of Kells. It beautifully captures the spirit and resilience of the Irish people during challenging times.
Starring: Evan McGuire, Christen Mooney, Brendan Gleeson, Mick Lally, Liam Hourican, Paul Tylack, Michael McGrath, Paul Young, Nora Twomey, Alli McCann, Clair Funchion, Conor O'Halloran, Gaelle Hersent, Marie Thorhauge, Sean Lennon, Jonas Till Hoffmann, James O'Halloran, Fabian Erlinghauser, Kairen Waloch;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: animation, fantasy, adventure, family;
Age: 6+;
Duration: 71 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
“Song for a Raggy Boy”, 2003
Director: Aisling Walsh
Set in a Catholic reformatory school during the 1930s, this film explores the harsh realities of Irish life in the aftermath of the Famine. It follows the story of a new teacher who challenges the abusive regime and inspires his students to stand up for themselves.
Starring: Aidan Quinn, Iain Glen, Marc Warren, John Travers, Chris Newman, Andrew Simpson, Dudley Sutton, Alan Devlin, Stuart Graham, Mark Butler, Bernard Manning, Samuel Bright, Robert Sheehan, Caoimhin «Tojo» Barra Doherty, Michael McGee, John Collins, Michael Scott, Robert White, Michael Sloan, Claus Bue, Jude Sweeney, Joe O'Gorman, John Hand, Nessa Fitzgerald, Simone Bendix, Danny Sapani, Juan José Ballesta, Joe Cassidy;
Production year: 2003;
Genre: drama;
Age: 16+;
Duration: 94 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Song for a Raggy Boy” on the website imdb.com
“Evelyn”, 2002
Director: Bruce Beresford
Based on a true story, this film follows the journey of a father fighting against the Irish government in the 1950s to regain custody of his children. The film touches on the lasting impact of the Famine on Irish society and the struggle for justice.
Starring: Pierce Brosnan, Sophie Vavasseur, Marian Quinn, Julianna Margulies, Stephen Rea, Alan Bates, Niall Beagan, Hugh McDonagh, Mairead Devlin, Frank Kelly, Clare Mullen, Alvaro Lucchesi, Garrett Keogh, Daithi O'Suilleabhain, Andrea Irvine, Karen Ardiff, Bosco Hogan, Des Braiden, Sorcha Herlihy, Lauren Carpenter, Lauren O'Connell, Hugh Grogan, Peter Fowl, Aidan Quinn, Gail Fitzpatrick, Pat McGrath, Mark Lambert, Conor Evans, John Lynch, Eamon Rohan, Alan Barry, Brian McGrath, Mick Nolan, Luke Hayden, Don Foley, Bill Golding, Sally, Stuart Clark;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 94 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “Evelyn” on the website imdb.com
“The Wind That Shakes the Barley”, 2006
Director: Ken Loach
While not directly focused on the Irish Famine, this film set in early 20th-century Ireland explores the aftermath of the Famine and the subsequent fight for independence. It delves into the political and social unrest that arose from the devastating events of the past.
Starring: Cillian Murphy, Pádraic Delaney, Liam Cunningham, Orla Fitzgerald, Mary O'Riordan, Mary Murphy, Laurence Barry, Damien Kearney, Frank Bourke, Myles Horgan, Martin Lucey, Aidan O'Hare, Shane Casey, John Crean, Máirtín de Cógáin, Keith Dunphy, Kiernan Hegarty, Gerard Kearney, Shane Nott, Kevin O'Brien, Gary McCarthy, Tim O'Mahon, Graham Browne, Owen Buckley, Aidan Fitzpatrick, Vince Hannington, Denis Kelleher, Colin McClery, Finbar O'Mahon, John Quinlan, Peggy Lynch, Noel O'Donovan, Peter O'Mahoney, Barry Bourke, Frank O'Sullivan, Diarmuid Ó'Dálaigh, Corina Gough, Roger Allam, Sabrina Barry, William Ruane, Danny Riordan, Peg Crowley, Fiona Lawton, Kieran Aherne, Clare Dineen, Sean McGinley, Tomas OhEalaithe, Nora Lynch, Diarmuid Ní Mheachair, Denis Conway;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama, war;
Age: 18+;
Duration: 127 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “The Wind That Shakes the Barley” on the website imdb.com
These films provide a glimpse into the tragic history of the Irish Famine, highlighting the resilience, strength, and determination of the Irish people in the face of adversity. Each film offers a unique perspective on this pivotal period in Irish history and serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering and learning from the past.
In the realm of cinema, few historical tragedies have been explored with as much depth and emotional resonance as the Irish Famine. The films centered around this devastating period in Irish history have managed to capture the essence of the suffering, resilience, and indomitable spirit of the Irish people. Through poignant storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and powerful performances, these films have shed light on the harrowing experiences endured by the Irish during this time of unimaginable hardship. From heart-wrenching tales of survival to thought-provoking examinations of political and social dynamics, the films about the Irish Famine have created a lasting impact, ensuring that this dark chapter of history will never be forgotten.
