It is obvious in various Irish movies that family and religion play a major role; some portion of those films inevitably revolve around one or both of those aspects. After recently watching Calvary (2014), an Irish film directed by John Michael McDonagh, I have found it executes both aspects, family and religion, like the motion pictures Waking Ned Devine (1998), Leap Year (2010), and The Boondock Saints (1999).
The Boondock Saints, directed by Troy Duffy, is about the MacManus brothers, Connor (Sean Patrick Flanery) and Murphy (Norman Reedus, from The Walking Dead fame), who become vigilantes in Boston to rid the city of drug dealers and their crimes. The two brothers emphasis on pursuing justice through the murders they are committing is directly tied to their Irish Catholic religion. The religious element is evident in the way the brothers recite the “Family Prayer” which is, “And Shepherds we shall be For thee, my Lord, for thee. Power hath descended forth from Thy hand Our feet may swiftly carry out They commands. So we shall flow a river forth to Thee And teeming with souls shall it ever be. In Nomeni Patri Et Fili Spiritus Sancti.” The latter can be translated to “In the name of the father, of the son, and the Holy Spirit.” Every time this prayer is quoted in the movie, the MacManus brothers then murder one of their horrendous victims.
The brothers always wear their cross necklaces and kiss them when in doubt, or when they are approaching their next victim. Some scenes even show the brothers praying inside churches. The film does a great job loosening up the tension, utilizing the family aspect, which shows the true relationship that Connor and Murphy have together.
In today’s movie industry, family is a key aspect to many storylines. In Irish films, it is one of the main aspect that is portrayed with similar meanings and is a dominant detail. The MacManus brothers' connection is strong, loyal, vengeful, childish, and protective. Whether it is at work or seeking justice, the brothers seem to have a childlike mentality with each other, shown through pranks or playfully wrestling around; they're constantly laughing. If I were to have a sibling around the same age, I would hope to have a relationship similar to the one they share, even though it is fictional.
They show their devotion to one another by having each other’s back when a fight breaks out, or gunning down the shooter who is trying to kill one or both of them. Boondock Saints illustrates their strong family ties with the family prayer, the connection the brothers share, the family they have with their friends in the neighborhood, and the definition of what family means to them.
Over all, Boondock Saints shows the virtues of family and religion that is a main component to the majority of Irish films that are made today. Although not every single Irish movie illustrates these aspects, they are prominent in several, and is present throughout this picture. If gory, action-packed movies are what you enjoy to watch, I would highly recommended watching this film.
Written by: Miranda Ray
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