"Bull" McCabe is a proud man. All he lives for is to eke out a meager existence out of the green piece of land that has seen generations of his ancestors make something out of a small plot in rural Ireland. Like his forefathers, Bull is a tenant farmer who leases the farm from the young widow that is terrorized by Tadgh McCabe, Bull's son, who goes to her house every night to play tricks on her. This woman has had it and decides to put that land for sale in a public auction; let the higher bidder be the new owner.
The McCabe family is not exactly a happy one. There is the ghost of a young boy that killed himself under mysterious circumstances. Bull and his wife Maggie, hardly ever speak. The only reason for Bull to stay is his desire to leave the "field", as he calls the small farm, to his son. This way, the land will remain a part of the McCabe's history. Tadgh, on the other hand, is a man who doesn't share his father's desires for staying put and struggling to eke out a living out of this small farm.
Into this mixture, a new man, an American, comes to visit the area and sees the possibilities of riches that no one has seen. The "Yank" notices how he can turn the area into commercial uses, something the locals would feel horrified about what this stranger wants to do. Everyone's loyalties lie with Bull McCabe.
"The Field" points out to Ireland's unhappy past where lots of people died from famine and thousands had to abandon the country in order to survive. The ones that remained are proud, although impoverished, with deep roots to their country. How dare this foreigner come to take what they feel it's Bull's? Tragedy strikes with a confrontation between Bull and the Yank. He makes his son fight the man who wants their land. A freak accident occurs that changes everything. Bull is able to bid successfully for his field, but the main reason he has fought for, eludes him.
"The Field" is based on a play by John B. Keane, which we never saw. The writer has a clear idea about what resonates with these folks in the rural setting where he places the action. Jim Sheridan, an Irish director was the right choice for bringing this story to the screen. Elmer Bernstein's evocative music plays well with the action of the movie. Jack Conroy's cinematography contributes to create the right mood for the story.
Mr. Sheridan's biggest achievement was to give the leading role to Richard Harris, an actor that is the whole reason for watching this sad movie. Mr. Harris transforms himself into the Bull McCabe of the story. There are no false movements on his part; he is a man who will not be stopped in owning a place that has seen generations of McCabes that has worked that land. Mr. Harris dominates the film.
The supporting players are fine also. Sean Bean is seen as Tadgh, the son that doesn't share his father's love for this desolate place. Brenda Fricker is also effective as Maggie McCabe. John Hurt is seen as 'Bird' O'Donnell, the man who seems to know all the secrets of the people in the town. Tom Berenger is the Yank, and although he has a minor role, his part is pivotal to the outcome of the story. Jenny Conroy is good as Katie, the tinker.
"The Field" was Jim Sheridan's second directorial effort and it clearly showed to be the right man for showing Ireland and its people at their most proud.
The McCabe family is not exactly a happy one. There is the ghost of a young boy that killed himself under mysterious circumstances. Bull and his wife Maggie, hardly ever speak. The only reason for Bull to stay is his desire to leave the "field", as he calls the small farm, to his son. This way, the land will remain a part of the McCabe's history. Tadgh, on the other hand, is a man who doesn't share his father's desires for staying put and struggling to eke out a living out of this small farm.
Into this mixture, a new man, an American, comes to visit the area and sees the possibilities of riches that no one has seen. The "Yank" notices how he can turn the area into commercial uses, something the locals would feel horrified about what this stranger wants to do. Everyone's loyalties lie with Bull McCabe.
"The Field" points out to Ireland's unhappy past where lots of people died from famine and thousands had to abandon the country in order to survive. The ones that remained are proud, although impoverished, with deep roots to their country. How dare this foreigner come to take what they feel it's Bull's? Tragedy strikes with a confrontation between Bull and the Yank. He makes his son fight the man who wants their land. A freak accident occurs that changes everything. Bull is able to bid successfully for his field, but the main reason he has fought for, eludes him.
"The Field" is based on a play by John B. Keane, which we never saw. The writer has a clear idea about what resonates with these folks in the rural setting where he places the action. Jim Sheridan, an Irish director was the right choice for bringing this story to the screen. Elmer Bernstein's evocative music plays well with the action of the movie. Jack Conroy's cinematography contributes to create the right mood for the story.
Mr. Sheridan's biggest achievement was to give the leading role to Richard Harris, an actor that is the whole reason for watching this sad movie. Mr. Harris transforms himself into the Bull McCabe of the story. There are no false movements on his part; he is a man who will not be stopped in owning a place that has seen generations of McCabes that has worked that land. Mr. Harris dominates the film.
The supporting players are fine also. Sean Bean is seen as Tadgh, the son that doesn't share his father's love for this desolate place. Brenda Fricker is also effective as Maggie McCabe. John Hurt is seen as 'Bird' O'Donnell, the man who seems to know all the secrets of the people in the town. Tom Berenger is the Yank, and although he has a minor role, his part is pivotal to the outcome of the story. Jenny Conroy is good as Katie, the tinker.
"The Field" was Jim Sheridan's second directorial effort and it clearly showed to be the right man for showing Ireland and its people at their most proud.