3 Movies that you love to turn green for on St. Patty’s
Reel Reviews; Craic Theater
By Donovan Darling, Staff Writer
☘️ Darby O’Gill and the Little People (1959)
This Technicolor (full color!) Disney movie is a rare gem set in a small Irish village. Darby O’Gill (Albert Sharpe) is fired as caretaker of his leased farm and refuses to tell his daughter Katie (Janet Munro), especially when he’s been replaced by a brawny younger man (Sean Connery). On his way home from the pub, Darby falls into a portal to a secret land of the little people (leprechauns). He meets the leprechaun king, Brian (Jimmy O’Dea), and accidentally brings him home. As Darby has trapped him (that’s the trick), he demands that Brian grant him three wishes, bringing Darby bittersweet and surprising results. Funny, sweet and surprisingly thoughtful, this is great for the whole family. Rated G
☘️ The Secret of Kells (2009)
A visually gorgeous and beautifully scored Irish fable, this family movie won a slew of awards and was nominated for Best Animated Feature Film of the Year at the Academy Awards. In the wilds of Ireland, Cellach readies his fortress for a Viking raid looming on the horizon. Little does he know, his nephew Brendan rejects the savagery of warfare and instead chooses to hone his skills in the monastery scriptorium. As the Vikings draw near, Aidan, a respected illuminator (artist), seeks Brendan’s aid in a dangerous quest. Starring Evan McGuire, Christen Moone, Brendan Gleeson, Mick Lally, Michael McGrath and others. Great for the whole family. Not rated but essentially PG.
☘️ Derry Girls (2018)
A coming-of-age comedy set in 1990’s Derry, Northern Ireland during the Northern Ireland conflict (The Troubles), this show is utterly hilarious and truly unique. It follows a group of Irish Catholic teens who rebel against everything — their school, parents, the conflict, you name it — leading to hilarious hi-jinks and consequences. They’re also obsessed with the music (featured in the show) and culture of the time, making for a nostalgia-drenched experience. Be warned, it’s full of profane and mature content. Best viewed by older teens and adults. Rated MA (aka R).
Do you know St. Patrick?
☘️ He wasn’t Irish — born in Britain to a Romanised family, he was kidnapped by slave traders in Britain at age 16 and worked in Ireland on a cattle farm for six years. Only later did he return to Ireland. ☘️ His name wasn’t Patrick — ordained Patricus (Latin for “nobleman”), he was born Maewyn Succat. ☘️ He did not wear green — but rather blue. ☘️ He didn’t banish snakes — archeologists have no evidence that snakes were ever native to Ireland. It’s more likely the snakes are a metaphor for the evil he banished. ☘️ He might have popularized the shamrock — the shamrock is claimed to be a symbol for the Holy Trinity, with the three leaves representing the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
