MovieChat Forums > Man of Aran (1934) Discussion > Great movie

Great movie

posted 18 years ago by timmarshal
2 replies | jump to latest

Last year my family and I took a trip to Ireland and spent 3 days hiking around on Inishmór, the "big island" where the "Man" was filmed. I have to admit that at that time I had only heard bout the movie, I was never much inclined to see it. However, during our visit my whole family became enthralled with the island, and its very friendly inhabitants. After hearing the local wax wax eloquently over it, seeing it became a priority.

When we got back to the US we rented the DVD, and even my young children sat through the movie captivated. I and my wife enjoyed seeing the island from the past, my children identified with the children in the movie. The cinematography remains breath taking.

Howvere what I truly enjoyed was the extra features on the DVD that brought insight into the making of the movie, the director, and the cast. I have a new appreciation for the movie. The toils of the film crew is truly impressive.

I know there is some debate about whether this movie is really a documentary. The director talks about getting the locals to play the scenes he wanted, and how difficult that was. I think the whole thing is a great story and a cinematic classic. The movie holds up well today, better than many of the very topical movies produced today ever will.

I highly recommend this movie, not for its accurate portrayal of life on the island but for its overall cinematic qualities.

[–] blaksarkensam 14 years ago

I just watched this for the first time and was awed by how gorgeous the film is, but surprised at some of the activities. Especially at the beginning when they went back for the net and got soaked retrieving it. That seemed daft and impractical to me - they wouldn't have left something so important behind in the first place. I'd be curious to hear what the locals made of it. I was able to forgive the flaws no bother - it was so lovely to watch.

There is a Scottish one that was made about 20 years later called 'Crofter Boy' which has my grandfather in it - you can see that online if you are interested at all.

[–] Devans00 10 years ago

What a great story. Did you get to meet Maggie, Stephen or any of the other actors? I totally love Maggie as the farmer's wife. That was one hard working lady.

In the extra features, it was kind of strange hearing the filmmakers talk about the Aran locals as primitive, wild and other descriptors usually saved for dark skinned people. But then again, I guess the English did look down upon the Irish, historically.

No two persons ever watch the same movie.