Jimmy's Hall [DVD]

Beautifully made film about Irishman Jimmy Gralton who returns from exile to his native Ireland and re-opens a dance hall in the local community for residents to have some fun out of their otherwise drab lives, only to be targeted once again by right wing fascists and a local priest who disapproves of any fun not signed off by the church. It's more than a just dance-hall to the local community - it's a place to learn, socialize, read poetry, discuss ideas and politics and therefore a perceived threat to the control that the church has over people in the community. Based on a true story. The Irish landscape shots look great on Blu Ray. I particularly enjoyed the circa 1930 era jazz dancing scenes where Jimmy is introducing what must have been something of an alien culture to a community largely shut off from the wonders of other parts of the world.

This is a rewarding film by Ken Loach and script writer Paul Laverty (The Wind That Shakes The Barley) based on true events in the 1920's where political activist (many had no choice but to be political considering the oppressive regime, and activism was also inevitable and tragic), Jimmy Gralton built a dance hall in rural Ireland and after a ten year deportation to the US, and seeing the local need, reinstated the hall, and then was diametrically opposed by the church and the hard line government officials and extremists.The result shows that the spirit to be free and live like human beings, not to be oppressed as obedient slaves, is a human need, and a human right yet to be established in international law.This film made me angry and proud at the same time, a rare gift from a film of any description.Highly recommended, and arrived before time in perfect condition.

A great movie which depicts how evil the Catholic Priests really were in Ireland. It is about time with all that is now known about the Catholic Church that people should wake up to themselves and see this church is a business and they dictate suppression, guilt and all negative things about humans.It is good to see Ireland making movies which show who this church really are.

I was stuck on a gift for my granny’s birthday until my mum suggested this. My granny loves this film and will love this as one of her gifts next week when she opens it. I was really impressed with the speed of delivery, having ordered it late in the evening and it being delivered midday the next day. Thank you!

Jimmy's Hall (Blue Ray)The fight for good and a great watch!.Although the film depicts a (Southern) Ireland a bit before my time I can still identify with it. I lived in the north and the prejudices and fears are very believable and you don't have to be Irish to enjoy it. The old dilemma of religion versus state, and bigotry which still prevail today in some regions are observed with a keen eye and attention to detail. A picture that paints 1000 words reminding me of my first dance and a time before show bands and television with the basic necessities of life and principals fought for.

The DVD arrived well within the promised timescale & in good condition. I have yet to watch the DVD, but if it's anything like "The Wind that shakes the Barley" it will be an excellently written story. It is made by the same producers.

The film showed very clearly the hold the RC Church had on communities - and not always for the good

Excellent! Difficult to understand the accent at times, but compensated by the inspiring presentation of the film!