IT’S AN EXCITING time in Irish cinema, and the newest addition is causing quite a stir.
With the success of Brooklyn and Room last year, and the release of critically acclaimed A Date For Mad Mary and Sing Street, it’s a good time to be an Irish film fan.
A new film, set in Cork, is currently the subject of a lot of buzz in the industry.
The Young Offenders just became the highest opening of an Irish film at the Republic of Ireland box office this year, opening with €202,000 including previews.
But what’s it all about?
The Young Offenders is inspired by one of Ireland’s biggest cocaine seizure, Operation Seabight. A total of €440 million worth of the drug was discovered off the coast of Cork in 2007, found in a yacht containing over 70 bales of the substance.
The film focuses on two Cork teens, Conor and Jock, who attempt to find a rogue bale of cocaine left behind from the haul. The lads take a 160km road trip on bikes they stole, and it’s simply a joy.
So it’s Cork through and through?
Yes, it just might be the most Cork movie ever. It’s directed by Peter Foott, who directed the Horse Outside video. A true hero.
Who’s in it?
Cork lads Chris Walley and Alex Murphy star, with comedians PJ Gallagher and Hilary Rose providing some familiar faces.
But is it any use?
The Irish Times called it a “hugely funny, genuinely sweet Irish comedy”, while the Sunday World said it was destined to be “an instant classic”.
Click Online said it’s “fall on your face funny”.
People are loving it too
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International audiences will get to see the Young Offenders when it hits screens in Texas at Fantastic Fest this week and at the BFI London Film Festival next month.
