Directed by Neil Jordan
Starring Cillian Murphy, Liam Neeson, Ruth Negga
135 minutes
Opens December 23, 2005
**** stars out of five
Based on the novel Breakfast on Pluto this dark comedy is about the search for identity. The film, directed by Neil Jordan (The Crying Game), weaves a story of fantasy and truth.
Set in the fictional town of Tyreelin in the Republic of Ireland near the border of Northern Ireland in the 60’s and 70’s during longstanding conflicts between the Irish Republican Army and the Royal Ulster Constabulary, the audience follows the main character, Patrick “Kitten” Braden (Cillian Murphy), from birth to adulthood and from Ireland to London, England in search of his mother.
Although somewhat risky, the story is told in 36 chapters; an interesting and rare feature for a movie. The obvious fairytale tone works unexpectedly well in this flick – the storyline and characters are totally believable.
Cillian Murphy is definitely the one to watch for (nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor for this role). His portrayal of the soft-spoken transvestite is surprisingly on-the-mark (direct contrast to his villain roles in Batman Begins, Red Eye). Loved it when Father Bernard (Liam Neeson) accepts his parental responsibilities and takes a stand despite the senseless natterings of the church and townsfolk.
Music score is a bonus featuring dozens of old pop songs.