Strength and Honour (2007)

One of my all time favorites.

Memorable, crazy movie

Beautiful, moving film.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

Im actually writing this before I even finish watching the film, the last 30 minutes can't save it. The acting is woeful across the board. The Irish accents are the worst i have ever heard (and there have been plenty of really bad attempts). Vinnie Jones' accent tops this particular critique. The stereotypes about Irish travellers are criminal. As other reviewers have already mentioned, I concur that it is amazing that this film made it to post-production. It brings a new meaning to the word "cliché". Im simply amazed how this received any good reviews. I believe 1 reviewer noted that it would make you want to visit Ireland ...... Im Irish, I've travelled every county and every corner of it, this does not represent Ireland in any way, and I would hope people would not visit here as a result of this film, those who would need their heads examined!

Strength and Honor is a story of hope and personal triumph, and in this world filled with Matrix-wannabees, B-level comedy full of toilet humor, and 300 million dollar glitz, it's refreshing to find a film with no gratuitous sex, gore, or profanity. This film has such a strong and simple theme, you won't have a feeling of apprehension taking your 13 year-old daughter to see it (and she'll probably hug you on the way out of the theater). To put it in a single phrase, this movie is what good film-making is all about. Director Mark Mahon has woven an inspirational piece of cinema, and this candid reporter is better for seeing it. Be it karma or sheer fortune, I was able to meet and talk with Mr. Mahon, who also wrote and produced Strength and Honor. I found him to be just as rare and honest as his film is. It was obvious that I had stumbled upon one of those unique and spectacular individuals that make one ask, "I wonder what he'll do next?" (Mahon is working on his next feature 'Freedom Within the Heart', slated for 2009) Keep your eyes-peeled folks, because if Strength and Honor is any indication of what Mark Mahon can do his first time out the cinema gate, we are bound to be thrilled with his future endeavors. He's a storyteller – one to watch…and keep watching.

If you have not seen Strength and Honor, you are missing a great movie. You do not have to enjoy boxing or action movies to enjoy this one. There is something for everyone... it is a must see! If you aren't used to them, the accents can take a little while into the movie to get used to. However, once you understand them, you get a better feel for the characters and pick up the common words thrown around throughout the movie and what they mean.There is a lot of drama, suspense and action in this movie. If you do no have a tear or two after viewing, it would be a shock to me. EXCELLENT movie, that's all I have to say.

There are so many negative reviews surrounding this film but overall, I myself actually enjoyed it. That being said, however, this film is clearly not without its flaws and the storyline & general pace lacks consistency. Other major problems I had with this film include the most obvious; appalling Irish accents displayed by Michael Madsen & Richard Chamberlain, Madsen's melodramatic overly brooding portrayal of his character who I feel is undeserving of any best actor award based on this performance, Chamberlain's unbelievable performance as an Irish boxing trainer (way too much enthusiasm displayed here). Other flaws included incorrect & mixed itinerant accents displayed by most of the travelers (Rawley could have done without mentioning the cliché term "boss" in every other sentence), a very inaccurate and clichéd outlook on travelers in general (which I felt the writer/director could have researched a bit more) & a lack of build up or explanation to any major event in this film (it all felt a bit too much thrown into my lap).However, all this being said I do consider this a very passionate and vast attempt by a first time writer/director and do respect that he managed to get Madsen, Chamberlain, Bergin & Jones on board for this. Vinnie Jones also delivers a much needed energetic villainous performance displaying a more than adequate accent, although maybe a bit too reminiscent of Brad Pitt's Mickey character in Guy Ritichie's "Snatch". Rawley was also great and more believable in his role than a lot others, a definite newcomer to watch out for. Maybe I'm a bit too critical of this film because I'm a Corkonian, have a boxing background or am of traveler origin myself so it may be a lot easier to nit pick instead of judging this film from an entertainment value alone perspective. But I'm sure they'll really enjoy this one in the States!