Watch it at Amazon
26 out of 27 people found the following review useful: Richard Harris - Incredible!!!, 31 July 2001 Author: raymond_chandler from Seattle, WA
If you are interested in acting, do yourself a favor - see this movie. Richard Harris' performance is as good as film acting gets. His character, Bull McCabe, is not a man so much as a force of nature. In the opening sequence, he and his son, Tadgh, who is 30ish to Bull's sixty-something, are carrying heavy loads of seaweed from the ocean back to their farm. Bull casually strolls along, seemingly without effort, while Tadgh struggles and stops periodically to rest. This scene sets the tone for the rest of the story. No one in the village ever opposes Bull - it would be futile, as well as unwise. But when the land his family has tended for generations as tenant farmers is purchased by an American bent on developing it, Bull must confront something he cannot defeat with will and sinew - progress."The Field" is a study of a very specific time and place, with plot developments that seem lifted straight out of the Old Testament. Sheridan does an excellent job of opening up the story, which was adapted from a stage play. The action takes place all over the village and surrounding areas. The cast is composed of Irish and English actors (except for - ahem - 'The American'), which really gives the film a strong sense of authenticity. Each character has a story, and the gradual unfolding of the various conflicts and secrets builds an ominous sense of impending disaster.John Hurt gives another in a long line of outstanding performances, but this film belongs to Harris. The only thing that keeps it from becoming an all-time classic is Tom Berenger. We get no sense that he wants the field for any reason other than the script requires him to, and it seems that director Jim Sheridan knew it. When a central character (Berenger) in a film delivers his most important dialogue FACING AWAY FROM THE CAMERA (looking out a window), it is the directorial equivalent of punting. Even so, Berenger is not in enough scenes to ruin the movie. It is just that it could have been so much better if he brought something to the part that could match up with Harris' primal force.
29 out of 35 people found the following review useful: Compare with "The Quiet Man", 7 July 2003 Author: lee8301 from Richmond
It's surprising that none of the comments about "The Field" make reference to one of the most popular films of all time, John Ford's "The Quiet Man". The stories are almost identical. An American of Irish descent returns to buy land wanted by a local farmer. Both Irish farmers are brutish and readily prone to violence. Both inspire fear in their neighbors. In "The Field", the farmer murders the American, but in "The Quiet Man", the American is John Wayne, so you know who will prevail. John Ford's movie is one of remarkably beautiful scenery, of charming folk and peaches and cream complexions. Except for the land-owning farmer, there doesn't seem to be a calloused hand in the cast. Hardly anyone works and drinking seems to be everyone's way of spending the day. Movie fans have spoken of seeing "The Quiet Man" dozens of times, as I have. It's a feel good movie. But "The Field" shows the true harshness of rural life in Ireland and how it brutalizes those poor who struggle for their daily existence. It's an uncomfortable movie but a truthful one which gives the lie to "The Quiet Man's" sentimental view of 'the old country'. It also shows the foolishness inherent in rosy nostalgia. Millions of Irish left their homes for good reason. Unlike John Ford's nostalgia, "The Field" helps you understand why they left.
24 out of 27 people found the following review useful: A true representation about the trials and tribulations of the Irish people., 15 February 2003 Author: ctheslayer from Houston, Texas, USA
While studying in Ireland, the subject of movies about - or filmed in - Ireland came up often with the locals. From Dublin to Galway, the movie mentioned most often was "The Field." Controversial and yet considered to be one of the truest representations of the Irish people of that era. It's also one of the few stories told about those who stayed behind during the famine, and survived. If you're looking for a feel-good movie about leprechauns, this ain't it. If you're up for "Gangs of New York" or "Legends of the Fall," you can handle it. Incredible performances by the late, Great Richard Harris and Sean Bean.
12 out of 13 people found the following review useful: Tradition in the land, 18 April 2006 Author: jotix100 from New York
*** This review may contain spoilers ***
"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.
13 out of 16 people found the following review useful: "Thin Veneer of Christianity", 17 August 2003 Author: eschete from Louisiana
A powerful film.The story of an Irishman fighting to own and protect the land he and his family transformed from rock-strewn waste to verdant pasture from foreign encroachment and development. I won't recap the story line because it's so complex, but some thoughts occurred to me as I watched:Bull McCabe perfectly symbolizes the heathen heart of Europe, untamed by Christianity (symbolized by the pasty-faced priest) or crass capitalism (symbolized by the bland Yank). Note how Bull carries a staff and wears cloak-like outfits throughout the film, looking very much like a Pagan high priest. He is, at heart, a savage who will cast off the artificial chains of foreign religions and phony social mores to defend one of the most primal concerns of man: territory.The priest pointedly notes at one point that the people in this rocky Irish village are covered with only a "thin veneer of Christianity," implying that their paganistic racial memory runs too deep and strong to be ignored. And only a few scenes later is the first, bloody climax of the film when that "thin veneer" is ripped off.An excellent film which deserved more praise than it got and should not be missed if the chance to see it arises.
10 out of 12 people found the following review useful: A tour de force for Richard Harris, 27 February 2006 Author: tommx from Maryland
This films greatness mostly comes from Richard Harris' performance as "The Bull" McCabe. Every moment he spends on the screen (and he is in most of the scenes of this film) literally vibrates with power and energy.Harris is most definitely the power behind this film, and the role of the Bull McCabe was made for him. The Bull is a powerful man driven by contradictory passions and haunted by dreams he refuses to admit to and isolation that he has imposed upon himself. He is a man who is feared and respected by the townsfolk, who openly mocks the church, who despises foreigners with what he considers righteous anger, and who hasn't spoken to his wife in 18 years. He has practically no real connection to his son who desperately craves his approval and attention but is also bitter towards his father for his neglect, and acts out by terrorizing the widow who owns the field that is his father's life. (Encouraged by "the Bird" who is little more than a petty thug and lackey of the Bull).What makes Bull such a compelling character is that while he is a powderkeg waiting to explode, he has certain morals that he clings to as dearly as he does to the land. At a critical point in the story, when the widow publicly sets a minimum reserve price on her field at a price that the Bull can not afford without gutting his own resources, he steps up to her defense when one of the townsfolk hurls a clump of mud at her. It is made clear that this is not a token gesture, but an expression of his deeply held belief that nothing justifies violence toward a woman. This and many other paradoxes in Bull's nature form the basis of what we eventually come to understand is his descent into madness. As strong as the Bull is in body, his mind has slowly eroded over a period of years torn down by isolation and guilt, and when he finally does break, the result is disastrous beyond all imagining.Richard Harris makes this film worth watching. Without him in it, the film would not be half as good as it is. While the supporting cast is very good, Richard Harris is the reason to see this film.
11 out of 14 people found the following review useful: Stunning and unforgettable, 18 February 2002 Author: Stephen Hitchings from Sydney, Australia
I had never heard of The Field before, and I could hardly believe how good it is. What a shame that it is so little known. The story starts out slowly but builds up to a climax that is perfectly logical, totally based on character, and awesome in its intensity.The script is superb, particularly in that use of language at which the best Irish writers are unsurpassed. But the real strength of the movie lies in the amazing performance of Richard Harris, surely one of the all-time great movie performances. He should easily have won the Oscar over Jeremy Irons in Reversal of Fortune, brilliant though Irons is; perhaps Irons only won because too few people had seen The Field. Bull McCabe is a great character who is being torn apart by conflicting emotions: his love for the land, his love for his son, his love for God and for the Church, and his frustration at never being able to achieve what is important to him. His devastation at the end reminded me a lot of King Lear, and indeed this movie has a power like one of the best of Shakespeare's tragedies. As one reviewer has already noted, the only weakness is the poorly-sketched character of the American and its lack of a believable motivation. Even with that weakness, it rises far above most of what passes for serious drama these days.
10 out of 13 people found the following review useful: Terrific performances, scenery, tragic, tragic, tragic, 17 February 2005 Author: ariostel from United States
Riveting performances by Richard Harris, Sean Bean, and John Hurt (nearly unrecognizable!) in a dark, tragic tale of life in post-famine Ireland. This is the perfect film to launch a film discussion group with. There's plenty to talk about after viewing it, that's for sure. It's not what I'd call an "intellectual" film, but it's definitely memorable. If you're an American, like me, and you saw John Hurt as Caligula in the PBS series "I, Claudius"--you won't believe his performance in "The Field". Amazing. (Note from my wife to Beanstalkers: There are a couple of scenes...) Details? The horses pulling the gypsy wagons are the right breed. And in the pub scenes, you can almost taste the beer.
10 out of 13 people found the following review useful: A much overlooked classic, 5 March 2001 Author: 9735062 from Limerick, Ireland
The Field is film which carries a universal message about the ongoing struggle between modernity and traditionalism. It is also a uniquely Irish film which may make some of the scenes lack relevance for an international audience. The meaning of such scenes as the "American Wake", which was essentially a death wake which was held for young Irish people up until as recently as the 1960s on the night before they left for America never to be seen again, might be missed by non-Irish people. However the final scene where the Bull McCabe aka Richard Harris attempts to push back the incoming Atlantic tide speaks of the universal futility of man's attempts to control nature or indeed, inevitable progress.An excellent movie.
6 out of 6 people found the following review useful: A triumph for Richard Harris!, 23 December 2002 Author: hi-liter
Spectacular movie. As tough as this movie is, it is completely engrossing. Each character (except that played by Berenger) is just so believable. The Tom Berenger part is just so shallow that it needs better writing or better acting. The cinematography allows you to feel the ambience of the Irish countryside (cool, rainy, overcast, muddy, deep cold lakes). "Bull" is hell bent on getting what he believes are his just rewards for a life of extremely hard work and hardships. It just doesn't work out like Hollywood usually lets it work out (thank goodess!).
Add another review
