Art is influenced by the traditions of different cultures. It gives painters, film directors, and game designers the freedom to try something new. Such inspiration and influence also open viewers and admirers to new worlds, conversations, and issues. British, Asian, and American culture has indeed dominated the screen for decades, but Ireland’s traditions and tales - and it has many - have also played a role in popular culture.
Irish traditions have influenced everything from the cereal we eat, the video and casino games we play, and the music we listen to. But perhaps, no art has been influenced more by Ireland’s culture than movies. Below is a list of some of the most iconic movies about Ireland.
The Commitments (1991)
To say this movie influenced not just Ireland but the world would be an understatement. Based on Roddy Doyle’s novel of the same name, The Commitments is a musical comedy-drama set in Dublin's Northside. The story follows a group of working-class youths who form a soul band called “The Commitments.”
After the film came out, Ireland saw an increase of new nationalities visiting. In part, the film itself resulted in this tourism boom, but much of North America discovered the film through the two soundtrack albums released. The first album reached the #8 spot on the Billboard 200 album chart. It also received triple-platinum status; the second album acquired gold sales status.
Finian’s Rainbow (1968)
Released in 1968, Finian’s Rainbow is a musical fantasy film that was nominated for several Golden Globe Awards and Academy Awards. The story follows an Irish father and his daughter who steal a leprechaun’s magical pot of gold and move to the United States. Of course, the Irish folklore of leprechauns, four-leaf clovers, and the magical pot of gold over the rainbow have inspired other art and popular culture outside Hollywood. For instance, the Lucky Charms cereal has capitalized on this famous Irish tale, having a leprechaun as its mascot.
Brooklyn (2015)
Even though Brooklyn, a romantic period drama, switches between the United States and Ireland, it's an important movie that presents the struggles of young Irish women in the 1950s. With few job prospects and pressure to settle down, Brooklyn follows the story of a young woman who grows tired of her small Irish county life and emigrates to Brooklyn.
The movie stars Ireland’s own Saoirse Ronan. The Evening Standard highly rated Brooklyn and wrote that Ronan is of the most sought-after actresses of this generation. Ronan earned nominations for Best Actress, and the film won the BAFTA Award for Best British Film.
Art leans on different cultures for new ideas. While it's not received as much recognition as North America, Ireland has inspired some of the greatest movies, literature, and general pieces of entertainment ever created.
