In the run-up to Paddy's Day, we're giving you our recommendations of Irish movies to watch on Netflix.
With a decent selection of Irish movies, some from as recent as the last two years, there's something for everyone. If you're unsure which to watch in the run-up to our national holiday, these would be our picks for what's on Netflix:
Maze
Starring Tom Vaughan-Lawlor of 'Love/Hate' fame, 'Maze' is a good'un if you're in the mood for a high-stakes thriller. The film is inspired by the true events of the infamous 1983 prison breakout of 38 IRA prisoners from HMP. It was to become the biggest prison escape in Europe since World War II.
Michael Inside
When 'Michael Inside' hit cinemas, we gave the film five stars, and we stick by our word that it is one of the best Irish films of recent years. It follows an 18 year old who is sentenced to 3 months in prison after being caught holding drugs for his friend's older brother. Never mind Hollywood - this is the most authentic representation of life in prison you'll ever see.
Cardboard Gangsters
Another 'Love/Hate' star - John Connors - takes the lead in this contemporary Irish take on the gangster genre. It follows a 24 year old, Jason Connelly, as he and his friends attempt to take control of the Darndale drug trade. Things begin to unravel quickly as not everyone is willing to let these Cardboard Gangsters achieve the notoriety they crave without a fight.
The Cured
Ellen Page ('Juno') stars in 'The Cured', a fresh new take on zombie movies. It imagines a world in which a cure has been found for the disease that turns people into cannibalistic monsters. However, 'the cured' are now rejects of society, having done such atrocious things and killed so many in their zombie state. A sense of frustration and desire for rebellion starts to arise among them.
The Hardy Bucks Movie
Sure you can't go wrong with 'The Hardy Bucks Movie', based on the hit RTE sitcom. Its hard to believe that the Hardy Bucks were founded over ten years ago. In their feature film debut, the lads travel to Poland to follow the Republic of Ireland team at UEFA Euro 2012. Along the way, they encounter Dutch gangsters and prostitutes and get into all kinds of trouble.
The Young Offenders
If you love the TV series, you'll adore the movie that inspired it, on Netflix now. 'The Young Offenders' sees Jock and Conor, two teenage best mates, attempt to find a missing bale of cocaine worth 7 million euro off the Cork coast when a drug trafficking boat capsizes there. We guarantee the sharp dialogue and hopeless naivety of the leads will have you laughing in no time.
Handsome Devil
Some have described 'Handsome Devil' as inspired by 'Dead Poets Society', but really it's a film all its own. The movie follows the friendship that forms between loner Ned and star rugby player Conor when they are forced to share a bedroom at their boarding school. Andrew Scott ('Sherlock') plays their English teacher.
The Siege of Jadotville
Perhaps you're in the mood for a war epic. Alternately you may just want to ogle at Jamie Dornan. 'The Siege of Jadotville' should satisfy either audience. It depicts the role of an Irish Army unit in the UN peacekeeping mission in the Congo in September 1961. Irish Commandant Pat Quinlan leads a stand off with troops against French and Belgian Mercenaries there.
Damo & Ivor
We know 'Damo & Ivor' isn't everyone's cup of tea, but if you're in the mood for a silly, switch-your-brain-off-to comedy on Netflix, this is a solid choice. The northsider and southsider twin brothers discover they're actually triplets. Searching for their brother John Joe, a traveller, takes them on a road trip across Ireland. Yes, it wouldn't exactly be the most PC of movies.
The Secret Scripture
If romantic dramas based on literary classics are more for you, 'The Secret Scripture' could be your calling card. Starring Rooney Mara, Vanessa Redgrave, Eric Bana and Jack Reynor, the film alternates between the early years of World War II and the end of the 20th century. Its protagonist is a woman who keeps a diary of her extended stay at a mental hospital.
Bobby Sands 66 Days
This critically acclaimed documentary is about the life of Bobby Sands and the 1981 Irish hunger strike from Northern Ireland. The movie hit cinemas 35 years on from his ultimate sacrifice, and draws much from his hunger strike diary, offering a unique insight into the man and his beliefs.
Honourable mention
Katie
As of the day of publication, the wonderful documentary 'Katie' arrives on Netflix. Directed by Ross Whitaker ('Unbreakable: The Mark Pollock Story'), it showcases the incredible journey of Olympic champion boxer Katie Taylor. It's one of the best Irish sports docs out there and offers incredible insight into the legend that is Katie.
