White Irish Drinkers

White Irish Drinkers is a coming-of-age drama film that was directed by John Gray and released in 2010. The film features a cast of relatively unknown actors, including Nick Thurston, Geoffrey Wigdor, and Stephen Lang.

Set in the early 1970s in Brooklyn, New York, the movie follows the lives of two brothers, Brian and Danny Leary. While Brian dreams of becoming an artist and leaving their troubled neighborhood behind, Danny is content with getting drunk and causing trouble. Their father, an abusive alcoholic played by Stephen Lang, makes life at home even more complicated.

Things take a turn for the better when Brian meets a young woman named Shauna, who encourages him to follow his dreams and leave Brooklyn. Meanwhile, Danny becomes involved in a local heist with his friends, which causes tension between the two brothers. As the plot unfolds, Brian and Danny are forced to confront their family's painful history and come to terms with their own identities.

One of the strengths of this film is the engaging performances of the cast. Nick Thurston brings a subtle vulnerability to the role of Brian, while Geoffrey Wigdor's portrayal of Danny is appropriately reckless and unpredictable. Stephen Lang's portrayal of the abusive father is nuanced and complex, portraying a character who is both cruel and sympathetic.

The film also features a strong sense of place, effectively capturing the gritty, working-class life of Brooklyn in the 1970s. The movie's nostalgic tone and attention to detail in the costumes and sets add to the sense of realism.

Despite its strengths, some viewers may find the plot slow-moving at times, and the film's sentimental ending may not be to everyone's taste. However, overall White Irish Drinkers is a well-crafted drama that offers a poignant snapshot of a bygone era in New York City's history.

In conclusion, White Irish Drinkers is a well-acted and well-crafted drama that effectively captures the mood and atmosphere of Brooklyn in the 1970s. While some viewers may find the pacing slow and the ending sentimental, the film overall provides a compelling portrait of family and identity in a troubled neighborhood.