St. Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated, especially in the United States, and through the years, numerous films have been made about Irish Americans, including Little Nellie Kelly (1940), Finian’s Rainbow (1968), and Rudy (1993).
Perhaps, fewer movies are made on location in Ireland. Several films made about the Irish Troubles are filmed on location, but as St. Patrick’s Day is generally regarded as a time of celebration, on the 17th of March, you may enjoy watching some comedies which show some of the beautiful scenery of Ireland.
The Quiet Man (1952)
Starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara and directed by John Ford, the film was shot almost entirely in the lush countryside of O’Hara’s native Ireland. The film is famed for the extended fist fight which trails through the countryside and finishes the film.
Nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning for direction and cinematography, The Quiet Man tells the story of a love-matched couple who experience a predominately comic, but also bumpy romantic road on route to being happily married.
Circle of Friends (1995)
Based on the successful novel by Irish author Maeve Binchy, the film, directed by Irish filmmaker Pat O’Connor, makes several changes to the original story, especially regarding the ending. However, the film does have the advantage of being able to show some of the sights of the countryside and Dublin.
Although there are several very serious aspects to the story, much of the plot is very amusing. The story focuses on a young college girl, Benny (Minnie Driver), and, as the title suggests her circle of friends. Having always regarded herself as goodhearted but unattractive, Benny is surprised when her crush on “big-man-on-campus,” Jack (Chris O’Donnell) returns her affection. Various complications ensue, mainly involving the lives of Benny, Jack, and one of Benny’s closest female friends, Nan.
Laws of Attraction (2004)
Although this romantic comedy starring Pierce Brosnan and Julianne Moore is initially set in New York City, a large and significant portion of the movie shows the two lead characters in the rich scenery of the countryside of Ireland.
Moore and Brosnan play two top divorce attorneys. Having formed a personal rivalry, while the two lawyers are acting as opposing council, they accidentally wed. Rather than giving the press further ammunition in the very public divorce case the two attorneys are fighting, they decide to stay married for the duration of the case.
