I WENT DOWN (1997)

 

Directed By: Paddy Breathnatch 

Written By: Conor McPherson 

Cinematography: Cian De Buitlear 

Editor: Emer Reynolds

Cast: Peter McDonald, Brendan Gleeson, Tony Doyle, Peter Caffrey, Johnny Murphy, David Wilmot, Michael Mcelhatton, Antoine Byrne 

Irish action comedy. An ex-con is forced into taking on a new task by a ruthless crime-boss, but finds he is hindered by the partner he has been teamed up with. However, he soon realizes they must work together if they are to survive.

This film reminds me of the quirky indies that had stylized crime stories before it seemed like Quentin Tarantino cornered the market and with him a new generation who tired to copy and clone his style with throwbacks to bygone eras. 

Then having witty, snappy dialogue that told stories while not exactly always being about crime, but reveal ethics, morals, passions or lack of them.

This is one of those films that centers around crime, but is much more interested in the characters and dialogue. 

Though this film Will probably be accused of being one of them. This one has mroe heart 

As the film offers charm. It’s not something you haven’t seen before, but it is fun that the crime story that moves it along is almost secondary and there to keep the characters on their toes and moving from location to location. 

Jsit as the main characters are learning more and more about the job they have been hired to do and the history behind it. We are u raveling the mystery as to what is really going on.

At heart this is a buddy comedy of two nit wits. Not cut out for crime. even though both are ex-Cons. Who are trying to get out of the life, but keep getting pulled back in no matter how ahrdbthey try to escape. It’ also a road trip movie as they keep having to travel and go to new locations to suposedlt finish the job. 

For some audience members this film might remind them or have the same spirit as IN BRUGES only not as violent or dark. It also helps that this film has a similar cast member Brendan Gleeson when he was younger. 

In Fact this was one of his early roles that put him on the map and got him noticed.

The sayings and place cards between scenes are a bit annoying, but representative of the time period in film. Where it was thought witty or like chapter themes.  

There is a lack of style but plenty of laughs. Believable character work. Where you enjoy the company of the characters. As even when you find out the truth. You just have mroe compassion for them. As even the title is kind of a punchline. 

Grade: B