The General (Brendan Gleeson. Jon Voight)

[Mister Pink]

Watched The General again there and forgot how good this little mainly unknown gem is. Basically the film is based on real life gangster that amassed millions but would still be seen collecting his dole money down at the social welfare. He was smart and made the authorities look like fools. He was apparently murdered by the IRA for dealing stolen paintings to British Loyalist paramilitries.

 

 

Rotten Tomatoes: 79%..

 

Synopsis: Hollyfield was a Dublin slum where the rejected, the derelict and the anti-social were housed. Young Martin Carhill grew up in a milieu where crime...  Hollyfield was a Dublin slum where the rejected, the derelict and the anti-social were housed. Young Martin Carhill grew up in a milieu where crime was the main occupation. He was sent to a correction school when caught stealing food for his family. Abused by priests and the police, he grew up with a resentment of authority. Throughout his adult life, Martin Carhillderived satisfaction from making fools out of authority figures. He organised a number of daring and carefully planned robberies, gaining the sobriquet, 'The General'. Hollyfield was a no-go area for the police and the fierce loyalties of its inhabitants protected Cahill. However, at the behest of his wife Frances and her sister Tina, he bought a house in the middle class district. He then came under the scrutiny of tax officials. He over-reached himself when he and his gang stole paintings from Russborough House. With public and political pressure mounting, the police started a surveillance operation headed by Ned Kenny, a man who admired Cahill but was determined to break him. His potent mix of violence and humour and generosity made him a legend in his lifetime, a legend that has grown largely since his death.

 

 

 

If you are interested in true crime and the sorts, you may enjoy this. Here's some pics and videos of the guy the film is about....

 

 

 

Outside the District Court 1988. Making a mokery of the courts.

Edited August 5, 2010 by ThePinkFloydSound