Movie Review: Rory O'Shea Was Here
By Natalie Johnson
"Rory O'Shea Was Here" is a movie that doesn’t come around very often. It is both side-splittingly funny and touching without being sappy. It strikes a balance that gives the story life.
Michael Connolly has lived in Dublin’s Carrigmore Home for the Disabled his whole life. Michael has Cerebral Palsy. He uses a wheelchair and cannot speak comprehensibly. He is trapped in his own body and has a lot of difficulty communicating. But Rory O’Shea comes along, a punkish young man who can’t move any part of his body besides two fingers and his head. Rory changes Michael's world forever.
Rory acts as Michael’s translator, and Michael is delighted to have someone understand him. Together, they decide to get a flat of their own. When Rory plays off Michael’s wealthy lawyer father’s selfishness to get a flat of their own, they achieve their dream. They enlist the beautiful and witty Siobhan to help them with their daily needs, and before long, Michael develops a strong love for her. The story proceeds from there with a number of incidents and sweet and satirical moments.
The acting in this film is spectacular. James MacAvoy (Rory) and Steven Robertson (Michael) lend both sympathy and determination to their characters, and although the actors both aren’t disabled, they act convincingly. We empathise with them, but don't pity them. Their characters are proud and full of dignity. Rory is bursting with life, and he’s not an angel. He has some pretty big flaws. He’s a little bit bitter about his situation-and has every right to be. Michael is very sweet, but also hopelessly naïve, and his naivety proves to be his downfall.
I admit-I was worried when I saw Romola Garai was in this film. Her work in "Dirty Dancing-Havana Nights," was not particularly bad, but not very good. But she infuses a spark in the Siobhan character who the men convince to be their caregiver. She deftly expresses the stress she feels as she struggles in her challenging position.
This movie is not a faerie-tale. It’s a pretty honest portrayal of these everyday things that people like Rory and Michael endure. Rory and Michael don’t get everything they want. They are bitterly disappointed by some parts of their lives.
"Rory O'Shea Was Here" strikes an essential balance that explores the touching, sad, and funny parts of life. It will bring tears of sadness and joy to your eyes.
"Rory O'Shea Was Here" is called “Inside I’m Dancing” in Ireland. This is Natalie Johnson for Movie Magazine.
Michael Connolly has lived in Dublin’s Carrigmore Home for the Disabled his whole life. Michael has Cerebral Palsy. He uses a wheelchair and cannot speak comprehensibly. He is trapped in his own body and has a lot of difficulty communicating. But Rory O’Shea comes along, a punkish young man who can’t move any part of his body besides two fingers and his head. Rory changes Michael's world forever.
Rory acts as Michael’s translator, and Michael is delighted to have someone understand him. Together, they decide to get a flat of their own. When Rory plays off Michael’s wealthy lawyer father’s selfishness to get a flat of their own, they achieve their dream. They enlist the beautiful and witty Siobhan to help them with their daily needs, and before long, Michael develops a strong love for her. The story proceeds from there with a number of incidents and sweet and satirical moments.
The acting in this film is spectacular. James MacAvoy (Rory) and Steven Robertson (Michael) lend both sympathy and determination to their characters, and although the actors both aren’t disabled, they act convincingly. We empathise with them, but don't pity them. Their characters are proud and full of dignity. Rory is bursting with life, and he’s not an angel. He has some pretty big flaws. He’s a little bit bitter about his situation-and has every right to be. Michael is very sweet, but also hopelessly naïve, and his naivety proves to be his downfall.
I admit-I was worried when I saw Romola Garai was in this film. Her work in "Dirty Dancing-Havana Nights," was not particularly bad, but not very good. But she infuses a spark in the Siobhan character who the men convince to be their caregiver. She deftly expresses the stress she feels as she struggles in her challenging position.
This movie is not a faerie-tale. It’s a pretty honest portrayal of these everyday things that people like Rory and Michael endure. Rory and Michael don’t get everything they want. They are bitterly disappointed by some parts of their lives.
"Rory O'Shea Was Here" strikes an essential balance that explores the touching, sad, and funny parts of life. It will bring tears of sadness and joy to your eyes.
"Rory O'Shea Was Here" is called “Inside I’m Dancing” in Ireland. This is Natalie Johnson for Movie Magazine.
© 2005 - Natalie Johnson - Air Date: 11/05
More Information:
Rory O'Shea Was Here
2004, Ireland
