Irish Movies to Watch on St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, and what better time to celebrate Irish culture with a movie marathon! Sure, drinking green beer and insisting on pinching people is fun, but if staying home and connecting to the Emerald Isle sounds more your speed, here are a few flicks to enjoy.

The Wind That Shakes The Barley

The story of two brothers torn apart while fighting for Irish independence, The Wind That Shakes The Barley is a quiet but powerful look at one of the most tumultuous periods of recent Irish history. The natural performances throughout add a moving element of humanity.

Intermission

This dark comedy is about a Dublin man who decides to try separating from his girlfriend only to get caught up in a bank-robbery-gone-wrong. The film deftly weaves together the lives of several people, and creates a memorable story shot in a documentary style.

Five Minutes of Heaven

Liam Neeson may be beloved for his recent action films, but this 2009 film reminds viewers that he’s more than just a man with a certain set of skills. Opposite James Nesbitt, Neeson plays a former member of the UVF who shot and killed Nesbitt’s older brother in the 1970s. Now, 30 years later, the two are attempting to reconcile. It’s an honest and important look at radicalization and the aftermath of civil unrest.

Waking Ned Divine

This movie will never not be amazing. When Ned Divine is found dead in his home clutching the winning lottery ticket and without next of kin, his small village rallies to claim the winnings and divide the money. The quirky villagers are a delight, and the story is both funny and touching. It’s a feel-good movie, with breathtaking views of rural Ireland.

Once

This beautifully shot musical love story is not only amazing, but produced one of the most beloved songs of the mid 2000s. The story of two struggling Dublin musicians who meet and decide to collaborate, this drama was the surprise indie hit of 2006 and continues to be draw to its loyal fan base. It’s no surprise — the cinematography is gorgeous, the music is lovely and the love story is heartbreaking.