Here Are the Young Men
Here Are the Young Men

Movie spotlight

Here Are the Young Men

2021
Movie
96 min
English

Dublin teenagers Matthew, nihilistic Rez, and the deranged Kearney, leave school to a social vacuum of drinking and drugs, falling into shocking acts of transgression.

Insights

IMDb5.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes27%
Metacritic35/100
Google Users38%
Director: Eoin MackenGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

In the midst of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, four teenagers grapple with the consequences of their actions and the choices they make. As they navigate a landscape torn by conflict, their friendships are tested, and they are forced to confront the harsh realities of war and their own youthful idealism. The film follows their journey through violence, loss, and the search for meaning in a world that offers little hope.

Critical Reception

Here Are the Young Men received a mixed to negative reception from critics, who often cited its uneven tone and unfocused narrative as major drawbacks. While some acknowledged the strong performances from its young cast and the attempt to explore the psychological toll of conflict on youth, many found the film to be melodramatic and lacking in depth. Audience reactions were similarly divided, with some appreciating the gritty portrayal of the era and others finding it difficult to connect with the characters or the story's trajectory.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its ambition in tackling a difficult subject matter and the commitment of its young cast.

  • Criticized for a convoluted plot, inconsistent pacing, and a tone that struggles to balance drama with melodrama.

  • Many reviewers felt the film failed to fully explore the complexities of its characters or the historical context it depicted.

Google audience: Google users expressed disappointment with the film, with many finding the story to be a confused mess and the characters difficult to sympathize with. While a small number appreciated the attempt to portray the harsh realities of the conflict, the majority felt the film was poorly executed and ultimately unsatisfying.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the 2017 novel of the same name by Rob Doyle, which was also set during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

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