I Went Down
Fresh out of prison, Git rescues a former best friend (now living with Git's girlfriend) from a beating at the hands of loan sharks. He's now in trouble with the mob boss, Tom French, who sends Git to Cork with another debtor, Bunny Kelly, to find a guy named Frank Grogan, and take him to a man with a friendly face at a shack across a bog. It's a tougher assignment than it seems: Git's a novice, Bunny's prone to rash acts, Frank doesn't want to be found (and once he's found, he has no money), and maybe Tom's planning to murder Frank, which puts Git in a moral dilemma. Then, there's the long-ago disappearance of Sonny Mulligan. What's a decent and stand-up lad to do?
Insights
Plot Summary
A shy, unassuming young man named Bunny is drawn into the criminal underworld when he's tricked into becoming a getaway driver for a pair of bungling gangsters. What follows is a chaotic road trip across Ireland, encountering a host of eccentric characters and escalating trouble. Bunny finds himself increasingly entangled in the dangerous, yet darkly comic, escapades of his new associates.
Critical Reception
I Went Down was generally well-received by critics, who praised its dark humor, quirky characters, and energetic pace. It was noted for its distinctive Irish sensibility and its ability to blend crime elements with comedic situations effectively. The film found a solid audience appreciating its offbeat charm and memorable performances.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its sharp, witty dialogue and darkly comedic tone.
- Applauded for its memorable ensemble cast and energetic direction.
- Noted for its unique portrayal of Irish crime and quirky characters.
Google audience: Audiences generally enjoyed the film's humor and unique story, finding it a refreshingly different take on the crime genre with strong performances. Some viewers found the plot a bit convoluted at times but overall appreciated its entertainment value.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for Best Film at the 1998 Irish Film & Television Awards. Peter McDonald won the Best Actor award at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.
Fun Fact
The film's distinctive visual style and dark humor have led to comparisons with Guy Ritchie's early work, though 'I Went Down' predates Ritchie's directorial debut by two years.
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