Rocky Road to Dublin
Rocky Road to Dublin

Movie spotlight

Rocky Road to Dublin

1968
Movie
67 min
English

Irish-born journalist Peter Lennon examines the contemporary (1967) state of the Republic of Ireland, posing the question, “What do you do with your revolution once you’ve got it?” It argues that Ireland was dominated by cultural isolationism, Gaelic and clerical traditionalism at the time of its making.

Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes95%
Director: Peter LennonGenres: Documentary

Plot Summary

This seminal documentary captures the political and social climate of Ireland in the late 1960s. It features interviews with ordinary people and intellectuals discussing the country's identity, its relationship with Britain, and the ongoing conflict in Northern Ireland. The film offers a raw and unfiltered look at the hopes, frustrations, and aspirations of the Irish people during a turbulent period.

Critical Reception

Rocky Road to Dublin was highly acclaimed upon its release for its unflinching honesty and its sensitive portrayal of Irish society. It is considered a landmark documentary for its courage in tackling controversial political issues and for giving voice to a spectrum of opinions. Critics lauded its authenticity and its ability to provoke thought and discussion.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its direct and impactful interviews.

  • Celebrated for its raw, unvarnished look at Irish society and politics.

  • Considered a vital historical document of its time.

Google audience: Audience reception on Google is not readily available, but the film is generally held in high regard by documentary enthusiasts and historians.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Golden Bear at the 1968 Berlin International Film Festival. Widely regarded as a significant work in Irish cinema.

Fun Fact

The film's production was challenging due to the sensitive political nature of its subject matter, with Peter Lennon facing pressure and threats during its creation.

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