The General (1998)

Absolutely the worst movie.

A waste of 90 minutes of my life

Blistering performances.

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

(Brendan Gleeson) is so unwatchable as the lead. I couldn't catch on clearly what was going on. It didn't make me interest in it whatsoever. Everything was silly; from all the cast's members to the haircut of (Gleeson) ! It didn't succeed in anything but giving me such a powerful headache.How the lead wore this many masks in the court and no judge accused him of "contempt of court"?? How the lead comes close to be in jail then gets away with it every time ? I will not tire myself searching for the answers as the whole deal pushed me to not CARE ! It is one of the times where nothing drew my attention. In fact nothing was special, except the heaviness and the non-attraction. It lacked the action, being funny, or showing another formula that worked. And OH MY GOD it is one of those times when I got the feel that the movie I watch won't end! Just won't gonna end !! Don't consider this as a review. It is just a comment, an angry one, about a movie I didn't like, or rather a movie that perfectly didn't have the ability to affect me… Unless badly ! P.S : let's get philosophical. We have a case where the whole matter was uninteresting. Well, that's interesting itself ! So, was it the movie? Or was it me ? I think it's both!

I didn't know much about Martin Cahill before this film, and I tripped over it on IFC a few nights ago. And I'm glad i did because this is one of the best movies i have seen in quite some time. Shot entirely in black and white and told through a flashback, we are shown Cahill as both the clever criminal gang head, and as the father, brother, and husband of his family. The dialogue is intelligent, fast paced, and ripe with wit and banter between the characters, but one must keep attentive, because you may miss a lot due to the Irish accents. pay particular attention to Cahill and police when they awake him in his tent in the beginning. I think this is a must see for any taste

Boorman if nothing else is a good story teller. As a director, his greatest triumph came early in his career with Deliverance. Yet as a writer, he has brought us quality films such as Excalibur, and Hope & Glory. His adaptation of the Paul Williams novel is straight forward and without frills. Martin Cahill had many aspects to his life that could have easily become the fodder for an over zealous director. Rather than seeking to build a "background" story out of his love triangle, Boorman handles it with style and two scenes. The movie is meant to tell you about the rise and fall of Martin Cahill with a watchful eye to the social and political forces in Ireland. Boorman does just that. The scenes are well thought out and the acting solid. While this movie never hit the critical radar in America, it was praised both in Britain and at Cannes. When your in the mood for a story of a gangster who became a populist hero, take a look at this film. But if you want swift action scenes and graphic violence, it may be time for another viewing of Bonnie and Clyde.

The General is one of the best films dealing with true life that I have seen. John Boorman has done us all proud both as director and in the Writing credits. As Martin Cahill Brendan Gleeson who bears an uncanny resemblance to the real Cahill is superb bringing with him the humor as well as the hardcore attitude of the Dublin underworld. Well deserved the B.F.C. awards for best director and best actor. This is one for your library as you will want to watch it again and again.