Life is what happens in between.
 Jan 9th, 2004
(Jan 23rd, 2004)
Advantages:
good comedy, great acting
Disadvantages:
yet another colin farrell film
Recommendable:
Yes
Detailed rating:
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Characters / Performances
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  fluffyfreak
About me:
Woo hoo! I made it to green! Please check out my old reviews. I'm trying to make them better!
Member since:24.09.2003
Reviews:9
Members who trust:2
Review rated by 18 Ciao members on average: helpful 
I was thinking the other day that it's about time there was a decent British film released, amongst all the hype and publicity surrounding such films as the Matrix and Lord of the Rings series'. Well, I was sent free cinema tickets to see this film, and having nothing better to do I went to see it with only the slightest clue as to what it was about. Quite simply, the short preview in the UGC magazine I picked up said this was basically a film about a botched bank job. I think this is a really unfair way to describe Intermission, so 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. Anyway, Cillian Murphy (the sexy one from 28 days 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 up with a bank job idea, that involves the afore mentioned friendly bank manager, then he jumps at the chance. Anything to get his Deirdre back!
So far the UGC review is true, but now the story goes a bit different. There's mystery, intrigue, romance and drama aside from the bank job. You've got the sister and mother of Kelly MacDonald becoming local heroes and dealing with facial hair. Colm Meaney plays a mean cop with a penchant for boxing, proper celtic music and aggressive policing, who is approached by a documentary maker who wants to make a film of his life. There's a young rascal who seems out to make everyone's life a misery. You've got Oscar, who is dealing with low self-esteem and is just desperate for a shag. You've got the bank manager's wife dealing with his affair in a very intense way. You've got Colin Farrell doing really nasty things (I had to fight hard to stop myself shouting at the screen at one point!).There's a whole story connected to chef sauce (I'll leave you to find out), and there's a truly memorable moment at the local single club. There are a few different story lines in the film, beautifully scripted so they all intertwine as the film goes on. It just goes to show what a small world this really is! As with all the best comedy films, the story and characters are just normal life, so we can all identify with someone in the film.
The characters are really cleverly written and brilliantly acted, in a way that it's hard not to feel empathy even for the so called bad guys. Some parts are pant wettingly funny, others make you cringe, others make you want to slap the bloke (see Colin comment above). All in all this film has so many good points I can't name them all. The only downside is there is a generous smattering of really foul language throughout the film, but if you can cope with that then you'll find it enjoyable. The film is directed well and manages to show both the beauty and grubbiness of southern Ireland. Costumes are everyday wear - so the wardrobe budget must have been low. The soundtrack features great artists such as U2, Turin Brakes and the Fun Loving Criminals. I've heard rumours that Colin Farrell sings over the end of the film, but I don't know if it's true or not!
I know I got my tickets for free, but I have paid to see it again a week later, it's that good. I'll definitely be buying it when I can, as I can't wait to be able to watch Cillian in my own house! Spend your money wisely, ignore all the big hyped up films, and see this Irish beauty, but if it's gone too quick from the cinemas, then remember it next time you visit the video shop.
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08.04.2004 15:11
Saw this in Edinburgh with about three other people in total. It deserved a much wider audience as was very fast paced and in your face. Funny too. Good review.
24.03.2004 17:17
sounds like a gud film, mite see it sum tym.
09.01.2004 11:47
Might help to add some of your own thoughts to this review, as well as the length of the film (are we going to get bored or stock up with plenty popcorn), how long is it in the cinemas for ? Let me know if you amend and would like a re-rate. Ax