Production Year: 2003 - Comedy - Director: John Crowley - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: Colin Farrell, Shirley Henderson, Cillian Murphy, Colm Meaney, Rory Keenan, Laurence Kinlan more
In this comedy drama starring Cillian Murphy (28 DAYS LATER) and Colin Farrell (PHONE BOOTH) a series of coincidences and haphazard relationships unite a small group of people... more
Intermission DVD
John (Murphy) breaks up with Deirdre (Macdonald) to 'give her a little test'. However his ... more
plan backfires leaving her broken-hearted and him alone and miserable. Through chance and coincidence their break-up triggers a series of interweaving incidents...
(+) Because of the new series the box set isn't complete, which means it will be cheaper! (-) It isnt the complete box set so you'll have to buy the new dvds seperatly or wait for the new set!
Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Tessa Peake-Jones, Buster Merryfield, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst
A review by barefoot777 on Intermission (DVD) June 25th, 2004
Author's product rating:
Did you enjoy it?
Liked it
Story
Outstanding
Characters / Performances
Outstanding
Special Effects
Standard
How does it compare to similar films?
Good
Advantages:
funny
Disadvantages:
not too commercial
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
“Intermission” directed by John Crowley
“Intermission” is a film that seems to be happening without a single genuine dramatic, narrative or comedy moment, during entire film and although there was some shocking moments, nothing was really very surprising, not after “Trainspotting”. The only genuine thing is Irish accent, as for being qualified as Irish. And speaking of shocking, some of the things done and said in the film were truly shaking up. That’s why I assume, the film was nominated with many prestigious awards. Yes, but if you ask me now what was the film all about, I wouldn’t know to explain. Except that it’s about bad & criminal minds in Dublin. From those who stopped watching television and are not a festival audience, you simply can't really say on which film “InterMission” reminds you of. But there’s one thing pretty certain; there must be a lot of TV serials & movies similar to “Intermission” made by now. The humor is definitely very low, done maybe on propose to enforce the shock. “Intermission’ is set in Southern Ireland, not among Hollywood stars and big budgets, but in a nice little village, with working class people that we can all relate to. It's billed as a dark comedy and have comedy moments, but is generally a good old-fashioned story.
***
Cillian Murphy [from “28 Days Later”] stars as confused “hero” John, supermarket stock boy, recently split from his girlfriend, Deirdre (Kelly Macdonald). Deirdre rebounds to Sam (Michael McElhatton), a middle-aged bank manager who leaves his wife because of her. Meanwhile, Lehiff (Colin Farrell) a mean and violent lowlife scum, interacts with Jerry (Colm Meaney), a mean police man whom sees himself as the kick ass avenger of Dublin’ streets. John's friend Jerry (David Wilmot), desperately is looking for love; Deirdre's sister Sally (Shirley Henderson), backs up from the world after her break-up; Sam's wife Noeleen (Deirdre O'Kane) is discovering her sexuality after her husband's betrayal; and Mick (Brian F. O'Byrne), ex bus driver is looking for some quick cash. Pretty realistically quirky characters.
***
“Intermission” is film about petty criminal minds and their broken hearts in a working class of Irish environment. The film is funny, punctuated with sudden and surprising acts of violence & equally sudden and surprising moments of affecting insight. Not sure all this done on proposes. I’ve read somewhere that this film was a first time effort for director and the screenwriter, they both had extensive experience in the theatre. Maybe this is the reason why the film reminds some much on a very long theatre play. I don't know much about filmmaker's accomplishments in the theatre, but we’re talking about accomplishments that certainly didn't survive the transition into a commercial filmmaking. And there’s nothing to distinguish the film from just being a solid, competent character actor play. I believe that this film is, pretty much “the Irishman” film. So if you're a “die hard” Irish fan, loving everything Irish, then you'll probably enjoy this art non-commercial biscuit film. Characters get in and out of each other’s lives in ways that might be funny, sometimes frightening. Director John Crowley and screenwriter Mark O'Rowe have done this film in a snappy style and genuine emotion that never meant to relies on cheap sentiment, how much to enrich the reality. All this done in order to display a good art film, not a movie hit that is going to collect a lots of money. Because hay this sort of film never does. Screenwriter’s dialogue is funny and actually has a few things to say about the nature of relationships, with or without criminal implications. But there’re so many things happening in “Intermission”. Film is having the ambition to gain an impressive debut. Lots of hard work I think this is. I reckon that film crew was looking forward to end shooting. The concepts spark a chain reaction of events, involving unrelated characters. “Intermission” has its moments, thanks to such a well-done wordplay.
***
It isn’t often to see film that starts with a huge movie star flirting with a girl and then punching her in the face so he can rob her. But that’s the main tone for John Crowley’s directorial debut “Intermission”, which will take you involved with a dozen Irish characters and their various tales. A lot of fun. However, Farrell is not the only star of this movie and the twisted plots allow every actor to shine within their own tale and this is main characteristic of the film. The film helped enormously good cast. The sub-plots stalk from background, illustrating the relationships between the protagonists. This film has elements of suspense, romance and a good black comedy as well as superb acting. C. Murphy is so totally natural as hostile John, a young man nervous on the subject of commitment is. Others in the cast are fitting perfect to the story. The movie's biggest star is of course, Colin Farrell [“Phone Boot”]. Farrell doesn't have too much to do in this film; yet, he puts in an impressive performance, though unpleasant one. It seems that Farrell may not be a one-role actor after all. What is missing from the film, oddly enough, is a sense of place. Maybe this was done on propose, for the film to remain as raw “Trainspotting”. With the difference that Irish English is spoken here. But is this Dublin in “Intermission”?
*** The film is directed well and manages to show both the beauty and rough of southern Ireland. Costumes are common everyday wear. The soundtrack features great artists such as U2, Turin Brakes and the Fun Loving Criminals. “Intermission” is a pretty curious film with a little bit of “Pulp Fiction”, “Trainspotting” and a little bit of “Love, Actually”. And maybe, a little bit something you've never seen before. Maybe that’s why the film was nominated and is worth checking out. This is a pretty interesting movie and if you've seen and enjoyed "Sexy Beast", you'll love this. It is 18 certificates, mainly for the bad language, sex scene and violence. Avariable on DVDs of course.
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
...When I picked up Intermission I have to say I didn’t know what to expect. I love Irish films as an Irish man away from home they always make me laugh, but I have to say Intermission was a new breath of fresh air from the days of The Commitments, The Snapper, and The Van.
The opening scene is by far one of the best it is completely unpredicted and for those of you who haven’t seen the film you are in for abit of a shock.
We are first introduced ... ...a habit of getting into trouble with Detective John Lynch (Colm Meaney) obsessed equally by boxing and Celtic mythology, Meany is just as his name suggests in Intermission.
Detective Lynch is a cop who is seriously confused about his own importance. What adds fuel to this lose cannon is a producer named Ben (Tomás O'Suilleabháin) wants to make a series about the life of a this renegade cop.
The main character of the film is John (Cillian Murphy), ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: good comedy, great acting Disadvantages: yet another colin farrell film
...here is my review.
Intermission is set in Southern Ireland, not amongst Hollywood stars and big budgets, but in a nice little village, with working class people we can all relate to. It is directed by John Crowley (this is his directorial debut) and written by Mark O Rowe. It's billed as a comedy, and does have comedic moments, but is generally a good old fashioned love story. It is an 18 certificate, mainly for the bad language, sex scene and violence.
... ...later) plays John, who works in the local supermarket with his friend Oscar (Dermot Wilmot). I say work, but they actually try to do as little work as possible! Cillian Murphy has just been dumped by his girlfriend Deirdre (played by Kelly MacDonald). She has shacked up with the local friendly bank manager, who just happens to still be married. Understandably, John is a bit miffed about this, so when the local bad boy Lehiff (Colin Farrell), comes ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Very funny black comedy with twists turns and all the elements you need to make a film appeal across the board Disadvantages: Stay away if you're easily offended by bad language
I went along to see this film knowing absolutely nothing about it, having been sent some free preview tickets. When the opening titles came up I realised that it was a film I'd seen billed as starring Colin "Flavour of the Month" Farrell who I'd much admired this year in "Phone Booth" and "The Recruit". However, Farrell is not the only star of this movie and the intertwined plots and sub-plots allow every actor to shine within his or her own tale.
... ...Eire and the central plot is the age-old classic of a heist gone-wrong. The sub-plots stem from this and illustrate the relationships between the protagonists. In a series of quirky events, the characters become ever further intertwined but the cleverness of the writing ensures that these events are always credible and never seem like just a convenient way of tying up lose ends.
It's hard to review this movie without giving too much away but it ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Good Family fun Disadvantages: Rather long for younger children
...an intermission (that’s a nice touch). Also included on the DVD is the original theatrical trailer.
All in all it doesn’t seem much but since you get so much of the actual film it’s not too bad. I liked the main menu screen, which included some of Caractacus Potts weird and wonderful gadgets surrounding the menu choices, all moving and making appropriate clunking, clicking noises.
OVERALL
The film has many faults, it’s probably too long especially for very young children although the inclusion of the intermission on the DVD helps to naturally break up the story. The story itself is a bit disjointed and doesn’t flow as well as it could and the musical score although by no means bad it is not quite as good as some kids musicals.
Having said this there is something in the look and feel of this film that does...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Watchable, entertaining and well-acted film Disadvantages: None
...the belief under Nazi racial policies that the Dutch were entitled to be at the top-table of races with the Germans. There was a significant Nazi Party with 100,000 members who collaborated willingly with the occupation. Up to 25,000 Dutch volunteers fought with the Germans.
This review is for the dvd which is Dutch language with English subtitles. There are no significant extras, merely the obligatory trailer, commentaries, filmographies and photo galleries. The strangest thing, I can only assume the film was lifted directly from the screen version, is that there is an "Intermission"! I have never seen one incorporated into a dvd before, indeed it must be over twenty years since I saw one at a cinema, but it comes in handy for making a quick cuppa!
I paid £7.00 for this at HMV, and it is available with free delivery from hmv.co.uk at that...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Good music and scenery Disadvantages: John Wayne!
...Williams who is also know for writing the music for Star Wars and Superman. It was all in keeping with the film and fitted very well. The music also added to the drama and tension of the film.
The film was shot on location but there was times when I did think that the back drop was added at a later date as the outline of the character seemed to be blurry around the edges but hubby told me this did not happen. Despite this there are some lovely shots of mountains and scenery which I feel added to the film for me.
I thought I was going to pee myself when half way through the film a black screen came up and we had the word ?intermission? come on the screen with the theme music playing. I really thought that they could have taken this out when transferring the film onto DVD. Hubby was very cheeky and did tell me to go and get him an ice...
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Plot: Lehiff, a small time criminal is on the run from the police after his last job. His best friend, Jerry, has a plan to rob the local bank in order to get some cash and also to get revenge on Sam, the bank manager...
Release details
DVD Region: DVD
Studio(s): WALT DISNEY STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINM; TECHNICOLOR DISTRIBUTION SERVICES
Release date: 05/07/2004
No of Discs: 1
Catalogue No: BED 881368
Barcode: 5017188813686
Languages
Main Language: English
DVD Description
In this comedy drama starring Cillian Murphy (28 DAYS LATER) and Colin Farrell (PHONE BOOTH) a series of coincidences and haphazard relationships unite a small group of people living in Dublin. The result is an alternately depressing and humorous sideways glance at the way that people make their life decisions, seen through a group of duplicitous characters each of whom has a stubborn, selfish side and a soft, vulnerable side. With plenty of off-kilter jokes running the gamut from impotence and adultery to pissing and puking, INTERMISSION delivers its crowing potshot to female moustaches--quaintly nicknamed "tash" here. Sally (Shirley Henderson) is the downtrodden young woman with the "tash," and is also the sister of Deirdre (Kelly Macdonald) who is on the rebound after a hard breakup. Her ex-boyfriend John (Murphy) works as a clerk at a department store. His colleague Oscar (David Wilmot) is an impotent shy lad who finally finds a solution with Noeleen (Deirdre O'Kane), an older woman whose husband has just left her for the much-younger Deirdre. Meanwhile the overzealous copper Jerry (Colm Meany) is busy chasing after harmless criminal Lehiff (Colin Farrell). When a shocking bus accident occurs, the characters are brought together and forced to face the reality of their tangled lives.
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Listed on Ciao since : 12/12/2003
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