Strength and Honour reviews
Review by on 30 Sep 2008
I have seen this movie, and I found it to be very engrossing!!!! The characters were very engaging and I was surprised by some of the acting, it really was very nicely done.
I have seen this movie, and I found it to be very engrossing!!!! The characters were very engaging and I was surprised by some of the acting, it really was very nicely done.
Review by on 30 Sep 2008
This is a beautiful and touching film which is superbly acted and directed and gorgeously shot.
I highly recommend this movie.
This is a beautiful and touching film which is superbly acted and directed and gorgeously shot.I highly recommend this movie.
Review by on 28 Sep 2008
Great movie, really enjoyed it. I loved the way that it got going from the start and there was a great build up to the climax. Michael Madsen played a great part as the prizefighter and suprisingly humble charachter Sean Kelleher. Vinnie Jones's charachter Smasher was very entertaing and powerful and added an element of comedy to a very moving, heart warming story.
Great movie, really enjoyed it. I loved the way that it got going from the start and there was a great build up to the climax. Michael Madsen played a great part as the prizefighter and suprisingly humble charachter Sean Kelleher. Vinnie Jones's charachter Smasher was very entertaing and powerful and added an element of comedy to a very moving, heart warming story.
Review by on 28 Sep 2008
This is a beautifully written story of people down on their luck and less fortunate than many of us, who through their trials, come through for each other and preserve dignity. The story was brought to life and made personal though a very heartwarming, talented cast and brilliant directing. This movie is highly recommended.
This is a beautifully written story of people down on their luck and less fortunate than many of us, who through their trials, come through for each other and preserve dignity. The story was brought to life and made personal though a very heartwarming, talented cast and brilliant directing. This movie is highly recommended.
Review by on 28 Sep 2008
A simple but great story with super acting. Make sure you catch it.
A simple but great story with super acting. Make sure you catch it.
Review by on 28 Sep 2008
Vinnie is brilliant and the realism gets to you. You can feel every punch and every sodden mudpuddled footstep.
Vinnie is brilliant and the realism gets to you. You can feel every punch and every sodden mudpuddled footstep.
Review by on 27 Sep 2008
A MUST SEE!
A MUST SEE!
Review by on 27 Sep 2008
This story was great and a real inside into another world. I was not sure going into it because I thought that it was a fight film, but it really isn't. The acting was amazing conbined with a great score. On more than a few occasions, I could hear people snffling around me, and has to confess, I did too! A great job by all involved.
This story was great and a real inside into another world. I was not sure going into it because I thought that it was a fight film, but it really isn't. The acting was amazing conbined with a great score. On more than a few occasions, I could hear people snffling around me, and has to confess, I did too! A great job by all involved.
Review by on 27 Sep 2008
We have seen many boxing movies before, but this is very original in so many ways. The fights scenes especially the opening of the Puc is exciting to say the least. Between the travellers and the depth of the story, it is very fresh and well worth checking out!
We have seen many boxing movies before, but this is very original in so many ways. The fights scenes especially the opening of the Puc is exciting to say the least. Between the travellers and the depth of the story, it is very fresh and well worth checking out!
Review by on 27 Sep 2008
Set in Ireland (predominantly in a 'Travellers' caravan park) Mark Mahon's directorial debut is concerned with underground bare knuckle boxing starring Michael Madsen as a father forced to fight in a tournament in order to save his dying son. Yes this film has been made countless times before, with the film's protagonist struggling to commit an ethically grey act in order to save or protect a loved one or family member. However unlike others, Mark deals less with the characters enduring emotional conflicts and focuses more on the violence depicted throughout. The violence like the emotional aspects of the narrative remain largely undeveloped; being neither overstated, glamorising or patronising in their connotations and consequences. While this does add a much needed sense of realism, it will inevitably create confusion for some audiences as the tone of the film is utterly inconsistent. Moving with all the elegance of a car crash between scenes concerning themes of typical Hollywood tear jerker to images of violence reminiscent of the work of filmmakers like Guy Richie.
The film's only stand out performance is that given by Vinnie Jones playing the sadistic Puck, fitting perfectly into the role of the violent King of the Travellers and the bare knuckle boxing champion. Madsen on the other hand is terribly cast into the role of the suffering father. Portraying no genuine heartfelt emotion at any time during the film's 90-minutes. He does a passable job as the former talented boxer returning to the sport however it is never apparent in any facial expression that he's fighting for the life of his son.
Matt Migliorini (Young Critics)
Set in Ireland (predominantly in a 'Travellers' caravan park) Mark Mahon's directorial debut is concerned with underground bare knuckle boxing starring Michael Madsen as a father forced to fight in a tournament in order to save his dying son. Yes this film has been made countless times before, with the film's protagonist struggling to commit an ethically grey act in order to save or protect a loved one or family member. However unlike others, Mark deals less with the characters enduring emotional conflicts and focuses more on the violence depicted throughout. The violence like the emotional aspects of the narrative remain largely undeveloped; being neither overstated, glamorising or patronising in their connotations and consequences. While this does add a much needed sense of realism, it will inevitably create confusion for some audiences as the tone of the film is utterly inconsistent. Moving with all the elegance of a car crash between scenes concerning themes of typical Hollywood tear jerker to images of violence reminiscent of the work of filmmakers like Guy Richie.The film's only stand out performance is that given by Vinnie Jones playing the sadistic Puck, fitting perfectly into the role of the violent King of the Travellers and the bare knuckle boxing champion. Madsen on the other hand is terribly cast into the role of the suffering father. Portraying no genuine heartfelt emotion at any time during the film's 90-minutes. He does a passable job as the former talented boxer returning to the sport however it is never apparent in any facial expression that he's fighting for the life of his son.
Matt Migliorini (Young Critics)
Review by on 27 Sep 2008
excellent filmography. great acting. real grit and yet tender film.
excellent filmography. great acting. real grit and yet tender film.
Review by on 27 Sep 2008
Michael Madsen is great!!! A very touching story.
Michael Madsen is great!!! A very touching story.
Review by on 27 Sep 2008
Kick Ass performances and a script that is not only exciting but truly heart-felt make this a must see movie...Gotta love Madsen for choosing this unconventional role!!! Kudos to Mahon and all involved!!!
Kick Ass performances and a script that is not only exciting but truly heart-felt make this a must see movie...Gotta love Madsen for choosing this unconventional role!!! Kudos to Mahon and all involved!!!
Review by on 27 Sep 2008
the story was deep and a real emotional rollercoaster. The Irish Gypsie Lifestyle and Ireland's location was a different experience than the norm. All the acting was really good, the pace of the story was perfect. This was more than just a Boxing movie!
I had the privilege of going to a Festival screening with QA with Michael Madson and Mark Mahon. They were both super friendly and down-to-earth.
the story was deep and a real emotional rollercoaster. The Irish Gypsie Lifestyle and Ireland's location was a different experience than the norm. All the acting was really good, the pace of the story was perfect. This was more than just a Boxing movie!I had the privilege of going to a Festival screening with QA with Michael Madson and Mark Mahon. They were both super friendly and down-to-earth.
Review by on 27 Sep 2008
I think that this is a compelling story of Irish Americans- worth seeing.
I think that this is a compelling story of Irish Americans- worth seeing.
Review by on 26 Sep 2008
Although filmed in Ireland, STRENGTH AND HONOUR is distinctly Hollywood in both script and look, as it presents a somewhat romantic portrayal of the Irish traveller community and the world of bare-knuckle fighting. However the setting itself is really just a backdrop to the father/son story encapsulated by Michael Madsen’s struggle with his conscience and circumstances to save the life of his dying child.
It’s an uncomplicated film, in which most of the supporting characters are not deeply developed but are still invaluable to the plot. There is a lot of ground covered quickly and neatly to propel Madsen into the main action where he faces off against Vinnie Jones in the battle for the title ‘King of the Pucs’. For Jones, it is about keeping his place as the alpha male, for Madsen, the prize money is the key to a life-saving operation for his son.
Jones’ villain is suitably callous and deeply unsympathetic. Madsen’s hero is a “good man”, and the audience is never led to doubt his credentials as a loving father, as a man (he knows that “a man sometimes has to do what a man has to do”) or as a husband (he’s true to the memory of his dead, angelic wife).
The outdoor locations are gorgeous and fans of Madsen, Jones and co won’t be disappointed. This film will appeal to those who like their heroes good-heartedly macho and single-minded enough to struggle on courageously until the final bell.
Rickie Harper, Festival Daily
Although filmed in Ireland, STRENGTH AND HONOUR is distinctly Hollywood in both script and look, as it presents a somewhat romantic portrayal of the Irish traveller community and the world of bare-knuckle fighting. However the setting itself is really just a backdrop to the father/son story encapsulated by Michael Madsen’s struggle with his conscience and circumstances to save the life of his dying child.It’s an uncomplicated film, in which most of the supporting characters are not deeply developed but are still invaluable to the plot. There is a lot of ground covered quickly and neatly to propel Madsen into the main action where he faces off against Vinnie Jones in the battle for the title ‘King of the Pucs’. For Jones, it is about keeping his place as the alpha male, for Madsen, the prize money is the key to a life-saving operation for his son.
Jones’ villain is suitably callous and deeply unsympathetic. Madsen’s hero is a “good man”, and the audience is never led to doubt his credentials as a loving father, as a man (he knows that “a man sometimes has to do what a man has to do”) or as a husband (he’s true to the memory of his dead, angelic wife).
The outdoor locations are gorgeous and fans of Madsen, Jones and co won’t be disappointed. This film will appeal to those who like their heroes good-heartedly macho and single-minded enough to struggle on courageously until the final bell.
Rickie Harper, Festival Daily
Review by on 26 Sep 2008
What a movie! An all-star Hollywood cast in a very local Irish Corkonian setting. Richard Chamberlain (Thorn Birds) came out of retirement after reading the script while Michael Madsen (ear slicer in Reservoir Dogs) gives a credible performance as an ageing boxer in need of one last big victory. Up and coming director Mark Mahon admirably shows that one doesn't need a multi-million dollar budget to produce a movie with impressive story lines and fast pace acting. Although no Raging Bull, it's still well worth a view.
What a movie! An all-star Hollywood cast in a very local Irish Corkonian setting. Richard Chamberlain (Thorn Birds) came out of retirement after reading the script while Michael Madsen (ear slicer in Reservoir Dogs) gives a credible performance as an ageing boxer in need of one last big victory. Up and coming director Mark Mahon admirably shows that one doesn't need a multi-million dollar budget to produce a movie with impressive story lines and fast pace acting. Although no Raging Bull, it's still well worth a view.
Review by on 26 Sep 2008
though it's classified as a fight film, I enjoyed it immensely even though I don't usually like this type of film. It seemed true to life and was very believable loved seeing Richard chamberlain again
though it's classified as a fight film, I enjoyed it immensely even though I don't usually like this type of film. It seemed true to life and was very believable loved seeing Richard chamberlain again
Review by on 26 Sep 2008
A heart warming story of love prevailing over all the odds. A Father doing what he must for his sick son. Moving and compelling. I really enjoyed the film and i thought Vinny Jones was excellent. And for an actor so used to playing bad guys Michael Madsen excelled as the loving father.
A heart warming story of love prevailing over all the odds. A Father doing what he must for his sick son. Moving and compelling. I really enjoyed the film and i thought Vinny Jones was excellent. And for an actor so used to playing bad guys Michael Madsen excelled as the loving father.
Review by on 26 Sep 2008
Saw strength and honour last night and thought it was fantastic. Madsen was brilliant and the fight scenes where incredible. It was refreshing to see something which I thought was going to be disppointing, but for something that we have really scene before, it gave a new take to a fight movie. It also had lots of depth, which made it more interesting too. One of the surprises had to also be Vinnie Jones playing a traveller!
Saw strength and honour last night and thought it was fantastic. Madsen was brilliant and the fight scenes where incredible. It was refreshing to see something which I thought was going to be disppointing, but for something that we have really scene before, it gave a new take to a fight movie. It also had lots of depth, which made it more interesting too. One of the surprises had to also be Vinnie Jones playing a traveller!
Review by on 26 Sep 2008
Madsen is super and Vinnie was just off the charts. Great action and great drama.
Madsen is super and Vinnie was just off the charts. Great action and great drama.
Review by on 26 Sep 2008
This film is ok at what it does but can only really be described as average at best. It has a couple of good moments but is incredibly predictable and the script is quite cliched and clumsy. Decent performances from the cast, and (aside from a massively overused Ocean Colour Scene track) a solid soundtrack, but definitely not worthy of the number of awards it seems to be picking up in the (clearly sentimental) States.
This film is ok at what it does but can only really be described as average at best. It has a couple of good moments but is incredibly predictable and the script is quite cliched and clumsy. Decent performances from the cast, and (aside from a massively overused Ocean Colour Scene track) a solid soundtrack, but definitely not worthy of the number of awards it seems to be picking up in the (clearly sentimental) States.
Review by on 26 Sep 2008
Good films, lots of Guy Ritchie parallels. Dr Jones as good as Mr Pitt in the Travellers speak, same speech coach?
Good films, lots of Guy Ritchie parallels. Dr Jones as good as Mr Pitt in the Travellers speak, same speech coach?
Review by on 26 Sep 2008
I saw Strength and Honour at its UK première last night at the Cambridge Film Festival. I was happy that the writer & director, Mark Mahon, surprised me by not taking the easy path at some points in the plot.The actors' performances were superb. Michael Madsen and Patrick Bergin deserve nominations. Vinnie Jones had a lot of fun as the villain and made it easy for us to dislike him.Some beautiful camera work, excellent music. If you can, catch it at a venue with THX sound so that you almost feel every punch. I'm glad I saw this film and look forward to its DVD release.
The Q&A session was also wonderful and it was a great introduction, for me, to both the Arts Playhouse and the Cambridge Film Festival.
I saw Strength and Honour at its UK première last night at the Cambridge Film Festival. I was happy that the writer & director, Mark Mahon, surprised me by not taking the easy path at some points in the plot.The actors' performances were superb. Michael Madsen and Patrick Bergin deserve nominations. Vinnie Jones had a lot of fun as the villain and made it easy for us to dislike him.Some beautiful camera work, excellent music. If you can, catch it at a venue with THX sound so that you almost feel every punch. I'm glad I saw this film and look forward to its DVD release.The Q&A session was also wonderful and it was a great introduction, for me, to both the Arts Playhouse and the Cambridge Film Festival.
Review by on 26 Sep 2008
Brilliant
Brilliant
Review by on 26 Sep 2008
This film has its heart in the right place. It's not going to blow you away with any big surprises but it's a decent tale of father / son dynamics and the struggle to do the right thing when life seems to be at its toughest. And Michael Madsen looks great in it!
This film has its heart in the right place. It's not going to blow you away with any big surprises but it's a decent tale of father / son dynamics and the struggle to do the right thing when life seems to be at its toughest. And Michael Madsen looks great in it!
Review by on 25 Sep 2008
This is a real true to life film and the acting is as near to the real people as is possible it was well acted well directed and well written a credit to all involved
This is a real true to life film and the acting is as near to the real people as is possible it was well acted well directed and well written a credit to all involved
Film details
Strength and Honour
NEW FEATURES
Director: Mark Mahon
Actor: Michael Madsen
Actor: Vinnie Jones
Actor: Patrick Bergin
Actor: Richard Chamberlain
Actor: Michael Madsen
Actor: Vinnie Jones
Actor: Patrick Bergin
Actor: Richard Chamberlain
Ireland, 2007.
90 mins. English.
Back to the film page
