Ian Bannen, David Kelly. When a lottery winner drops dead, the citizens of a small Irish town band together to figure out how to reap his millions in this smash-hit comedy. 1998/color/91 min/PG.

Condition: New

Format: DVD

Closed-captioned; Color; Dolby; DVD; Letterboxed; Widescreen; NTSC

Average Customer Review: ( 252 customer reviews )
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In contrast to essentially ALL comedies I have seen in recent years, this one holds up wonderfully to repeated viewing. It was even better than the first time. Every part, from the stars O'Bannon and Kelly to the smallest walk-ons, is wonderfuly acted. I particularly liked the old sourpuss who rode the motorized cart, the pig farmer, and the young priest. They are all so multidimensional that you can imagine what they are doing when they aren't on screen.

The screenplay is wonderful, and the direction is expert. I especially liked the love scenes between Maggie and the pig farmer who smells so bad that she has to stay yards away from him at all times. Imagine an affecting, humorous, and believable love scene where the participants don't even touch each other!

Another plus is that this is actually a great family movie. Although it is in no way designed for kids, my 8-year-old laughed all the way through it. He especially liked the famous naked motorcycle ride!

Definitely worth owning (not just renting)!

56 of 61 found the following review helpful:

A wonderful Irish (?) ComedyMar 08, 2000
By Neil Anyon
I must admit that I bought this movie because of where it was filmed rather than because of the plot, although I was not at all disappointed with the latter. I found the combination of impeccable performance, gentle wit, occasional hilarity, evocative soundtrack and stunning scenery harmonised perfectly into a highly enjoyable whole. DVD audio and video quality is excellent although there is little otherwise to choose between VHS and DVD formats. Extras are limited to "text and photo" biographies of the cast and a Theatrical Trailer which gives away too many surprises - DO NOT WATCH THIS BEFORE WATCHING THE MOVIE.

Many people may be surprised to discover that not a single frame of the movie was shot in Ireland, the filming actually taking place on the Isle of Man. Although more famous for its tail-less cats and the annual TT motorcycle races, tax concessions by the (Independent) Manx government have recently made the Island something of a haven for movie makers. The Isle of Man (which is almost exactly at the geographic centre of the British Isles) is in many ways an ideal location ; within its 220 square miles it possesses much of the landscape scenery found in the United Kingdom and Eire and enjoys a more favourable climate than either of its near neighbours.

The dramatic cliffs of the Island's south-west coast are used to wonderful effect in Waking Ned Devine as are the beautiful, secluded bays and the narrow country lanes - the naked motorcycle ride has to be one of the most memorable scenes in any recent movie. The village of Tullymore in the movie is actually Cregneash, at the extreme southern tip of the Island. A large part of this village, with its thatched farmstead and cottages, is a living museum, part of Manx National Heritage. I would urge anyone who loved the scenery in this movie to visit and explore the Isle of Man should the opportunity arise. It has been a favourite haunt of mine for many years and is certain to feature in an increasing number of productions as its reputation as a film location grows.

14 of 14 found the following review helpful:

Wonderful Feel-Good FilmJan 30, 2006
By Diego Banducci
As we learn every St. Patrick's Day, we all have a little of the Irish in us -- that irrepressible urge to smile, enjoy our neighbors and family, and tell a good story.

This is one such story. Filmed in a beautiful village on the Isle of Man, it features actors that are not beautiful physically (although not ugly either) and a story line that is incredible, but not quite impossible. And you come away from it feeling good. Even the Wicked Witch gets her just desserts.

I lent it to an Irish friend who was down after attending several funerals of old friends and it restored his good spirits. It's that kind of film.

11 of 11 found the following review helpful:

It's a Sleeper but it won't make You SleepyMar 02, 2004
By Greg Perry
If hope you see this without knowing ANYthing about the movie except what I write here. Because I won't tell you anything about it. YOU are fortunate, more so than I, because you haven't seen this yet.

This is a sleeper movie, one that is far better than the public generally knows.

Be ready to enjoy a symphony of acting. If you don't like foreign films (I didn't) this may very well be the first you enjoy (and then see Run Lola Run, one that is 100% different from this but another foreign movie for people who don't think they like foreign movies).

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