The Field

Shot in the Connemara in and near Leenaun, the film is based on true story of an unaware, insensitive globalizing Yank vs. a traditional farmer-herder (you can read the newspaper story on the wall in the local pub). It's the story of our era, of the power of globalizing money vs. local tradition and peoples' lives. Richard Harris is simply incomparable in this film, he never played a role more strongly to my knowledge. The scene where he accepts the Tinker girl's challenge and dances down the floor to meet her is worth the entire film, is absolutely charming! Having grown up in the south of Ireland, he simply played himself in the film, or at least that's my guess. For a comparable reflection of local culture in a film, one would have to turn to Robert Duvall's also incomparable portrayals of Texans. The ending is "King Knut", but that tale of his beating the waves is misinterpreted, Knut (and The Bull as well) was not a fool.He killed the Yank. Well, he should have killed the priest too. Oh, not really, murder isn't the answer but they both deserved a good, swift kick in the rear end and to be stopped as well. I was told in Ireland that the case is realistic, that disputes over land could easily lead to murder. Part of the local culture.

This is a movie, whose depths will especially be recognizable to those who have something of a knowledge of Jesus' New Testament parables. For others it will still be an exploration of the fragility of human life. It has been a long time since I watched this movie so don't recall the names of the characters. But Richard Harris plays the role of a family patriarch who has labored over a field for most of his life as a tenant and assumes that when the property becomes available he will be able to purchase it and his life work of instilling fertility into a small piece of land will be at last his own property. To everyone around him, this seems only right. Then enters Tom Berenger as an American whose family had long ago left Ireland and sees this piece of property as something that can be developed for a whole different purpose and become a source of much needed investment into a relatively poor Irish community. The rest of the movie is an unfolding story of a man's ambition, pride, and diligence seeking his final reward whatever may be the costs. It is, in my opinion, one of the most powerful films ever created.

Lets face it - it's a dark movie. The acting - aside from Berenger's performance (who I like) - was all top notch effort. The politics behind the village deals. The pull that Bull (Harris) has over everyone is so uncompromising. The sanctity of marriage and the taboo of divorce exhibited in his home by the uncomfortable, unnatural silence. Bean's work was so unlike him now, that it was fascinating to watch. Tom Berenger did yeoman work, but could've been any American. (I thought he was TOO nonchalant.) This is a must see for die-hard Richard Harris fans to see his Oscar nominated work. He displays all he has: the lifted eyebrow and gaze, every facial twitch, his defiant body language, his proverbial embrace of the land. It's all amazing to watch. But it is as cheerless as the rainsoaked sod.

The Field provides an accurate view of what it was like to live in the Republic of Ireland following independence. There was a mistrust of their former colonial rulers and a distain for the people who gave up during difficult times. Cultivating land and raising livestock was very difficult - stone had to be removed and fertile soil (seaweed, etc.) had to be brought to provide topsoil for crops. Bull McCabe, played by Richard Harris, illustrates the farmer's love of the land and his passion to keep it. The acting is excellent, although the plot unfolds somewhat slowly at times.I recommend it as a film that moves beyond the romantic, fanaticized view of Ireland to the heart of the Irish people.

This movie is rather dark but it is a good film. I bought it in advance of a trip to Ireland, a trip which included staying in Leenane, the town in which this movie was filmed. The movie gave me a good sense of the local area, including historical things such as how rocky fields were converted to usable farmland by using seaweed as a compost. Something to note: the "field" in in the movie title is a small 3-acre plot of land that is actually 7 miles from Leenane. However, many of the scenes, including the pub scenes, were filmed in Leenane.

i like a good movie that has meaning. this movie shows how much charactor the man possesses and what the "land" owns in him.i liked the movie, the setting, everything about it. i hated the greedness of one mans pride, and how it overroad what was right. but what a great movie. i am glad i bought it as i will watch it again.i have told many co-workers that they should watch this as it is a good movie.

The product arrived promptly and in good order. The box and quality of the video just as described. Excellent service.

Doesn’t work

This is an excellent film, from 1990, starring Richard Harris, John Hurt and Sean Bean. The story is about an Irish farmer (Harris) whose family has, for many years, rented a field - ensuring that it's well cultivated and productive. The owner of the field has died, and it's now for sale by public auction. Given tensions between the locals, the future ownership of the field causes major disagreements - as livelihoods are put at risk. The drama that unfolds involves enraged villagers and even death.This is a character-driven movie, and by far it's Harris' performance that is standout. If you're a fan of this actor, and/or of independent films, then I highly recommend it.

WOW...Harris is fabulous in this exceptionally sad but powerful film.All the performances are great...especially from Bean and Berenger as well as the late, great Richard Harris.The story is the story of Ireland, told from the perspective of one man (Harris) and HIS field. It's intense and a little claustrophobic. Berenger as the outsider is really excellent.It's one of those films you'll watch...and still be thinking about days later !Don't expect escapism and fun. But if you want to go on an emotional rollercoaster and enjoy a stand-out performance from Harris, this is a great pick !More Raging Bull than Dumbledore !!!

Outsiders? Are these the same outsiders who took the corn from our mouths when the potatoes went rotten in the ditches?A classic Irish film with Richard Harris playing the Bull McCabe, a man who wont face his mother whether it be in heaven or hell without that Field.

Superb old Irish Film. Captivates realistically the drama and society at that time. Richard Harris played a first class roll. Worth buying.

Drama depicting the defence of his one field, diligently tilled for many years, creating the one piece of fertile land, defence from sale to developers, leading to angry loss of life.Thought provoking, seems so sad and unnecessary, 'bullying' tactics, misunderstandings, and stereo typing, leading to dire consequences.Richard Harris at his acting best.