Jimmy's Hall [DVD]

A fine historical drama based on real events that shines a light on an episode in Irish history that some wished to be forgotten; trust director (and national treasure) Ken Loach to make a rich and well-researched period piece that revisits the country about ten years after the civil war (covered in his brilliant “The Wind That Shakes The Barley”) to highlight the Irish government's reactionary attitude towards communists – acting with both the Irish ruling class and the catholic church.It`s a sensitive, at times heartening story about enabling aspiration through community effort set against the odds of poverty and petty authoritarian oppression.The standard UK DVD has a commentary, a 33-minute “making of” featurette, and a selection of deleted scenes.A very worthwhile film – as are all of Loach`s output.

This is a rewarding film by Ken Loach and script writer Paul Laverty (The Wind That Shakes The Barley) based on true events in the 1920's where political activist (many had no choice but to be political considering the oppressive regime, and activism was also inevitable and tragic), Jimmy Gralton built a dance hall in rural Ireland and after a ten year deportation to the US, and seeing the local need, reinstated the hall, and then was diametrically opposed by the church and the hard line government officials and extremists.The result shows that the spirit to be free and live like human beings, not to be oppressed as obedient slaves, is a human need, and a human right yet to be established in international law.This film made me angry and proud at the same time, a rare gift from a film of any description.Highly recommended, and arrived before time in perfect condition.

Jimmy's Hall (Blue Ray)The fight for good and a great watch!.Although the film depicts a (Southern) Ireland a bit before my time I can still identify with it. I lived in the north and the prejudices and fears are very believable and you don't have to be Irish to enjoy it. The old dilemma of religion versus state, and bigotry which still prevail today in some regions are observed with a keen eye and attention to detail. A picture that paints 1000 words reminding me of my first dance and a time before show bands and television with the basic necessities of life and principals fought for.

Brilliant film based on the true story of an Irish revolutionary.

Excellent film. The true story of a man who wanted, and was asked, to provide education and entertainment for his home town which was sadly lacking during the time of depression in rural Ireland in the late 1920's. A story of political and religious injustice and one which has been very much swept under the carpet. Very well acted and I loved the fact that they also used some of the local people to get an authentic feel of how things were back then. A real eye-opener and I'm so glad I bought it.

I enjoyed the film

A great movie which depicts how evil the Catholic Priests really were in Ireland. It is about time with all that is now known about the Catholic Church that people should wake up to themselves and see this church is a business and they dictate suppression, guilt and all negative things about humans.It is good to see Ireland making movies which show who this church really are.

The film content was OK but the speech was out of sync which made it poor viewing.Not a great film anyway.I did try to leave feedback but no response.