Whether or not you like this movie depends a lot on what you are looking for. i thought it was a really interesting movie, but if you are a sucker for happy movies, this is not the one to watch. If, on the other hand, you are a movie masochist and like somewhat realistic plots even if they can get a bit depressing, this is a really good movie. The best part of this movie is the fact that it is different. No boring same-old-plot-with different-settings for this movie. Liam can make anything believable, and that is what gets you with this movie.
21 Reviews
Engaging, if unrefined; enjoyable, if bleak
I_Ailurophile1 August 2021
'Lamb' is the story of an ill-considered dream, told with a very particular flavor. It's rough around the edges, but engrossing for the story it has to impart, a bit intriguing given the very early roles of the cast - and far more dark than the premise lets on.
Early scenes provide sufficient exposition to establish the characters and their motivation. Michael Lamb is a priest flailing in his faith, especially in light of the cruelty and abuse of power he sees at the reform school where he works. Owen, a young boy of 10 prone to seizures, is dumped at the school by his decidedly unloving mother, and there suffers the wrath of schoolmate and schoolmaster alike.
The plot begins in earnest as the two of them, equally ill at odds in their surroundings, abscond together with hopes of something better. Yet neither are truly prepared for what that entails, and every step feels like a disaster waiting to happen. It's hard not to feel a little on edge with every passing scene as Michael and Owen's circumstances grow increasingly difficult.
'Lamb' is very notable as the film debut of Hugh O'Conor, only 10 years old when it was released. Even at such a tender age, he demonstrated a force of personality befitting such a troubled youth. He is a fine scene partner with costar Liam Neeson, appearing here in an early film role. Neeson bears a slightly less gritty version of the gravity and pensiveness that he's become known for in the latter half of his career, but Michael very much fits the character of roles he's taken on since. Ian Bannen, in an early supporting part, carries an especially despicable smarm about him as repugnant headmaster Brother Benedict.
The acting is quite good, and the technical craft of the film is suitable. The real substance of 'Lamb' is in the narrative, with the screenplay adapted by Bernard MacLaverty from his own novel. We feel like vicarious Cassandras, knowing that disaster is coming, and Michael himself is increasingly aware the ride dream won't last long. For all the rapport that Michael and Owen share, scenes of their bond are gratifying, yet it's an idealist venture that they embark on. Their efforts to continue on grow more breathtakingly dire until at last the climax and finale arrives with an even gloomier, more intense outcome than we had come to anticipate. It's a fine ending, as written, but I don't think it's unreasonable to say that for the conclusion, 'Lamb' may actually be the darkest of all Neeson's films.
Just as the greatest asset of the movie is its story, its greatest weakness is in how the story is presented. The narrative flow is cohesive, but not totally solid. Michael and Owen's departure from the reform school isn't treated with much care, happening as quickly and nonchalantly in the feature as I'm typing these words. The cumulative factors that result in the ultimate outcome make rational sense as story beats and motivational considerations, and moments throughout the film emphasize those beats - if somewhat half-heartedly. Yet the key to that grouping of elements is in a line of dialogue that is spoken so fast and casually that it's easy to miss, and with or without it, the climactic capstone is rendered with less profundity than it should meaningfully broadcast.
While uneven, 'Lamb' is an enjoyable and suitably engrossing movie. It's especially worthwhile for fans of the cast. The content may not find favor with those who have special concern for how children are treated in fiction; even for those without such specific concerns, this remains rather difficult. Still, for those willing, it's a deserving viewing experience, and worth seeking out for the imperfect strength of its narrative.
Early scenes provide sufficient exposition to establish the characters and their motivation. Michael Lamb is a priest flailing in his faith, especially in light of the cruelty and abuse of power he sees at the reform school where he works. Owen, a young boy of 10 prone to seizures, is dumped at the school by his decidedly unloving mother, and there suffers the wrath of schoolmate and schoolmaster alike.
The plot begins in earnest as the two of them, equally ill at odds in their surroundings, abscond together with hopes of something better. Yet neither are truly prepared for what that entails, and every step feels like a disaster waiting to happen. It's hard not to feel a little on edge with every passing scene as Michael and Owen's circumstances grow increasingly difficult.
'Lamb' is very notable as the film debut of Hugh O'Conor, only 10 years old when it was released. Even at such a tender age, he demonstrated a force of personality befitting such a troubled youth. He is a fine scene partner with costar Liam Neeson, appearing here in an early film role. Neeson bears a slightly less gritty version of the gravity and pensiveness that he's become known for in the latter half of his career, but Michael very much fits the character of roles he's taken on since. Ian Bannen, in an early supporting part, carries an especially despicable smarm about him as repugnant headmaster Brother Benedict.
The acting is quite good, and the technical craft of the film is suitable. The real substance of 'Lamb' is in the narrative, with the screenplay adapted by Bernard MacLaverty from his own novel. We feel like vicarious Cassandras, knowing that disaster is coming, and Michael himself is increasingly aware the ride dream won't last long. For all the rapport that Michael and Owen share, scenes of their bond are gratifying, yet it's an idealist venture that they embark on. Their efforts to continue on grow more breathtakingly dire until at last the climax and finale arrives with an even gloomier, more intense outcome than we had come to anticipate. It's a fine ending, as written, but I don't think it's unreasonable to say that for the conclusion, 'Lamb' may actually be the darkest of all Neeson's films.
Just as the greatest asset of the movie is its story, its greatest weakness is in how the story is presented. The narrative flow is cohesive, but not totally solid. Michael and Owen's departure from the reform school isn't treated with much care, happening as quickly and nonchalantly in the feature as I'm typing these words. The cumulative factors that result in the ultimate outcome make rational sense as story beats and motivational considerations, and moments throughout the film emphasize those beats - if somewhat half-heartedly. Yet the key to that grouping of elements is in a line of dialogue that is spoken so fast and casually that it's easy to miss, and with or without it, the climactic capstone is rendered with less profundity than it should meaningfully broadcast.
While uneven, 'Lamb' is an enjoyable and suitably engrossing movie. It's especially worthwhile for fans of the cast. The content may not find favor with those who have special concern for how children are treated in fiction; even for those without such specific concerns, this remains rather difficult. Still, for those willing, it's a deserving viewing experience, and worth seeking out for the imperfect strength of its narrative.
Wayward Priest; Wayward Film - Lamb
arthur_tafero2 September 2021
Lamb is a complex film; well-directed and acted. The story of a Catholic priest at an Irish reform school and a young boy who has been abused since birth is a difficult subject matter for a motion picture. We are all rooting for the priest (who becomes a former priest) and the troubled boy to get away and start a new life. And a Hollywood ending would have the former priest meeting a nice young woman, and all three would bond and live happily ever after.
But this film does not have a Hollywood ending. And the film shows clearly that just one bad decision can ruin one's life. Fascinating to watch an early entry of Liam Neeson's brilliant career, and the tragic screenplay that will evoke sadness in anyone who sees it.
But this film does not have a Hollywood ending. And the film shows clearly that just one bad decision can ruin one's life. Fascinating to watch an early entry of Liam Neeson's brilliant career, and the tragic screenplay that will evoke sadness in anyone who sees it.
Unique and Beautiful Film
info-31432 October 2004
It has been a while since I first saw Lamb - but I remember being struck by its sensitivity and compassion. This is not for those looking for a chick-flick/action movie/happy-ever-after type of film. For those that are prepared to be a bit more challenged, make sure to watch it. It will grab your heart-strings and won't let go.
Both Liam Neeson and Hugh O'Connor put in great performances and considering the age of young Hugh O'Connor he is pretty amazing in the role of Eoin. Liam Neeson has stated that it is one of his own particular favourites.
Enjoy.
Both Liam Neeson and Hugh O'Connor put in great performances and considering the age of young Hugh O'Connor he is pretty amazing in the role of Eoin. Liam Neeson has stated that it is one of his own particular favourites.
Enjoy.
There's no Catholic guilt as strong as the guilt of an Irish Catholic.
mark.waltz6 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Young priest Liam Neeson works hard at a reform school where very young Hugh O'Conor, a troubled kid, is brought in and immediately worms his way into Neeson's heart. In spite of his bad language and wretched attitude, O'Conor strikes a cord with the troubled Neeson, dealing with his own family problems. Against his better judgment, Neeson takes the boy out of school to Dublin and hides from the news that is out about him, risking the boy's health thanks to untreated epilepsy seizures. It's nice to see O'Conor cone to trust him, but it's obviously not without cost.
Often disturbing, this psychological drama has its share of odd characters, including an alcoholic gay man whom they stay with and a nosy hotel worker who offers unsolicited advise and seems obsessed with the hour on the hour catholic services that ends at one, a service she claims for lazy people. The film gets odder and odder, and the fact that Neeson never gives up from hiding the troubled kid indicates that his character is equally off the beam as well. This results in the film being rather odd and more an acting exercise for the rising Neeson than anything else.
Often disturbing, this psychological drama has its share of odd characters, including an alcoholic gay man whom they stay with and a nosy hotel worker who offers unsolicited advise and seems obsessed with the hour on the hour catholic services that ends at one, a service she claims for lazy people. The film gets odder and odder, and the fact that Neeson never gives up from hiding the troubled kid indicates that his character is equally off the beam as well. This results in the film being rather odd and more an acting exercise for the rising Neeson than anything else.
The ending makes this otherwise worthwhile movie thoroughly disgusting
Andreas_N2 January 2006
Warning: Spoilers
This comment contains crucial information about the ending. So please do not read it unless you know / want to know about it.
I give Lamb a 4. If it had not been for the movie's last 10 minutes, I would have given it a 7. The ending though is simply horrible and disgusting. My review will now take a closer look at the story and why I think the arguments of those who like the last scenes miss the point and are as surrealistic as the ending itself.
Lamb is the story of the Christian Brother Michael Lamb (played by Liam Neeson) and his doomed love for a 10 year old boy. He works at a Remand Home on the Irish Coast and is struggling with his loss of faith. Very soon the epileptic Owen (Hugh O'Connor) is put into the care of the Home by his obviously cold-hearted mother. The institution is run by Brother Benedict (Ian Bannen), who has a sadistic streak and does not care about individuals and their problems. When Lamb's father dies, the young priest seems to have some sort of emotional breakdown at least this assumption makes the following events somehow understandable. Owen, who regresses under the Home's brutal regime, is initially not interested in Lamb as the kind of mentor the young priest wants to be for the boy, but as soon as Owen finds out that Lamb wants to help him, he sides with the young priest. As Lamb is about to expect some inheritance, he decides to quit his work at the Home and to take Owen with him. They manage to leave the institution clandestinely and eventually arrive in London, where they are masquerading as father and son. Things get worse quickly, they run out of money after a short time and have to realize that the police is already in pursuit. Lamb tries to make a living, but as Owen's physical condition deteriorates alarmingly due to a lack of tablets and as the police is closing in, he takes him back to Ireland.
From this point on the movie becomes surrealistic and disturbing. Lamb apparently seems to think that Owen needs salvation, that his suffering is not to be cured, and that he is the only one who can redeem the boy from his sorely-tried life. So he gives him other tablets instead of those which Owen normally takes to prevent his fits, and takes him to the beach. There Owen breaks down. Lamb grabs his body and walks into the sea. He puts his head under the surface and apparently drowns the boy. He then leaves the body on a dune and dives into the sea himself several times. He finally comes back, places himself next to Owen's dead body and here the movie ends.
Now these last shots are totally beyond me. They are surreal, only to be grasped if you assume Lamb having lost his mind. The movie is not bad at all, starts with an interesting premise, shows a dear relationship which gradually grows stronger between the boy and the priest. The story itself is not necessarily coherent all the time and sometimes lacking sophisticated and realistic proceedings, but it works save for the end.
Other reviewers have stated that the final scenes are strong and convincing because they are tragic and far off the corny happy-ending pattern. The DVD cover calls it "the ultimate act of love and mercy". Some have said that Owen has finally found peace.
This attitude lacks good common sense. Everyone who has at least some understanding of terms such as "responsibility" and "reason" would have to realize that this ending is entirely unrealistic. If Lamb had really loved the boy, he would have quit the hiding and running away and assured Owen's save return, so that he could be treated according to his illness. Owen trusts him even loves him by the end of the movie, but Lamb abuses this trust and kills the boy. He kills him. He kills a boy who has his entire life still ahead, who has yet to experience so much and find out so many aspects of life. Why does he do so? Because he panics; loses his mind; turns mad however you wish to put it.
I have no problem with tragic endings; I have no problem with emotionally thrashing and exposing scenes that are far off the stereotypical happy ending. So if Owen would have drowned, or died due to an accident or some sort of complications from epilepsy fine. But this is nonsense, surrealistic and entirely beyond common sense. Lamb seems to be so strongly obsessed by the boy probably caused by the loss of his own father that he abandons the thought of returning him into the custody of the Home. Of course, Lamb would have to go to prison, Owen would probably return to the Home or some other institution, and yes, he would presumably continue to suffer, BUT: He would be alive. And this is my point. How anyone dares to call the killing of an innocent child "an act of mercy and love" is simply beyond me. How can anyone think that this deed does any good to Owen?
The boy is dead, and the one he trusted is responsible for it and has done everything deliberately. This is the sad essence of a story that has such a good background plot and very interesting events happening, but is simply ruined by a disgusting and appalling ending.
I give Lamb a 4. If it had not been for the movie's last 10 minutes, I would have given it a 7. The ending though is simply horrible and disgusting. My review will now take a closer look at the story and why I think the arguments of those who like the last scenes miss the point and are as surrealistic as the ending itself.
Lamb is the story of the Christian Brother Michael Lamb (played by Liam Neeson) and his doomed love for a 10 year old boy. He works at a Remand Home on the Irish Coast and is struggling with his loss of faith. Very soon the epileptic Owen (Hugh O'Connor) is put into the care of the Home by his obviously cold-hearted mother. The institution is run by Brother Benedict (Ian Bannen), who has a sadistic streak and does not care about individuals and their problems. When Lamb's father dies, the young priest seems to have some sort of emotional breakdown at least this assumption makes the following events somehow understandable. Owen, who regresses under the Home's brutal regime, is initially not interested in Lamb as the kind of mentor the young priest wants to be for the boy, but as soon as Owen finds out that Lamb wants to help him, he sides with the young priest. As Lamb is about to expect some inheritance, he decides to quit his work at the Home and to take Owen with him. They manage to leave the institution clandestinely and eventually arrive in London, where they are masquerading as father and son. Things get worse quickly, they run out of money after a short time and have to realize that the police is already in pursuit. Lamb tries to make a living, but as Owen's physical condition deteriorates alarmingly due to a lack of tablets and as the police is closing in, he takes him back to Ireland.
From this point on the movie becomes surrealistic and disturbing. Lamb apparently seems to think that Owen needs salvation, that his suffering is not to be cured, and that he is the only one who can redeem the boy from his sorely-tried life. So he gives him other tablets instead of those which Owen normally takes to prevent his fits, and takes him to the beach. There Owen breaks down. Lamb grabs his body and walks into the sea. He puts his head under the surface and apparently drowns the boy. He then leaves the body on a dune and dives into the sea himself several times. He finally comes back, places himself next to Owen's dead body and here the movie ends.
Now these last shots are totally beyond me. They are surreal, only to be grasped if you assume Lamb having lost his mind. The movie is not bad at all, starts with an interesting premise, shows a dear relationship which gradually grows stronger between the boy and the priest. The story itself is not necessarily coherent all the time and sometimes lacking sophisticated and realistic proceedings, but it works save for the end.
Other reviewers have stated that the final scenes are strong and convincing because they are tragic and far off the corny happy-ending pattern. The DVD cover calls it "the ultimate act of love and mercy". Some have said that Owen has finally found peace.
This attitude lacks good common sense. Everyone who has at least some understanding of terms such as "responsibility" and "reason" would have to realize that this ending is entirely unrealistic. If Lamb had really loved the boy, he would have quit the hiding and running away and assured Owen's save return, so that he could be treated according to his illness. Owen trusts him even loves him by the end of the movie, but Lamb abuses this trust and kills the boy. He kills him. He kills a boy who has his entire life still ahead, who has yet to experience so much and find out so many aspects of life. Why does he do so? Because he panics; loses his mind; turns mad however you wish to put it.
I have no problem with tragic endings; I have no problem with emotionally thrashing and exposing scenes that are far off the stereotypical happy ending. So if Owen would have drowned, or died due to an accident or some sort of complications from epilepsy fine. But this is nonsense, surrealistic and entirely beyond common sense. Lamb seems to be so strongly obsessed by the boy probably caused by the loss of his own father that he abandons the thought of returning him into the custody of the Home. Of course, Lamb would have to go to prison, Owen would probably return to the Home or some other institution, and yes, he would presumably continue to suffer, BUT: He would be alive. And this is my point. How anyone dares to call the killing of an innocent child "an act of mercy and love" is simply beyond me. How can anyone think that this deed does any good to Owen?
The boy is dead, and the one he trusted is responsible for it and has done everything deliberately. This is the sad essence of a story that has such a good background plot and very interesting events happening, but is simply ruined by a disgusting and appalling ending.
A HARROWING BLISS
marcosaguado11 March 2004
The answer of how an electro shock can be inspiring, is buried within this little film. Unapologetic to a fault. Tense, and tender. It grabs you by the throat and doesn't let you go. I understand the outcries about the ending, but, what did you expect? In a painful, shattering way, the ending is utterly rewarding, true to its message, even if it leaves you gasping for air. Interesting to notice, Gianni Amelio's masterpiece "Stolen Children" seems a remake of "Lamb" a film that, by its very nature, should appear impossible to emulate. If you're not afraid of an emotional wallop, go for Lamb.
Not a fun watch
BandSAboutMovies18 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I mean, who wants to watch Liam Neeson fight wolves or show off his very special set of skills when we can watch him as a conflicted priest trying to save the life of a small boy with epilepsy?
Based on the novel by Bernard MacLaverty, Neeson plays Brother Sebastian, who is part of a Roman Catholic institution for troubled boys in Ireland. The boys are taught to conform to society and to fear God, things that Sebastian finds in conflict with his faith.
When his father dies, Sebastian takes his inheritance and leaves with one of the boys, a ten-year-old named Owen (Hugh O'Conor, Rawhead Rex). But he soon discovers that he's ill-prepared to take care of the boy and he sees both epilepsy and the home as death sentences.
The end of this movie is certifiably insane. There's also a Van Morrison score. I would have never watched this if it wasn't for Mill Creek and I'm not certain that's a good thing.
Based on the novel by Bernard MacLaverty, Neeson plays Brother Sebastian, who is part of a Roman Catholic institution for troubled boys in Ireland. The boys are taught to conform to society and to fear God, things that Sebastian finds in conflict with his faith.
When his father dies, Sebastian takes his inheritance and leaves with one of the boys, a ten-year-old named Owen (Hugh O'Conor, Rawhead Rex). But he soon discovers that he's ill-prepared to take care of the boy and he sees both epilepsy and the home as death sentences.
The end of this movie is certifiably insane. There's also a Van Morrison score. I would have never watched this if it wasn't for Mill Creek and I'm not certain that's a good thing.
This film left me emotionally scarred for life and that is a good thing.
jaypee-526 November 2001
Warning: Spoilers
Contains Spoilers It has been a long time since I have seen Lamb but the film moved me deeply. When I saw the film I was experiencing difficulty at home with my father, I often dreamt of running away and I think that was why the film caught my imagination so much.
I loved the cheeky impudence of the little boy, I knew that at heart he was a good lad but needed to to be quick verbally to survive. The Neeson character is great, he was exactly the sort of role model kids like me wanted. You felt he knew what was going on in the boys mind and had some sympathy.
The Arsenal match was both the highest and lowest part of the movie for me, people may argue the lowest was the end but I differ. The realisation that the boy was incapable of being happy, of enjoying himself touched me at a very basic level. In essence it is for this reason that I feel Neeson did the boy a favour by drowning him, even though effectively he was taking on the mantle as now he had this burden on his own life.
I love this film, it has stayed with me right throughout my adolescence and I often think of it now as an adult. No other film has touched me in such a way, I just wish they would show it on the T.V. or that I could find the video. Not that I need it because the way I felt fourteen years ago is as strong now.
I loved the cheeky impudence of the little boy, I knew that at heart he was a good lad but needed to to be quick verbally to survive. The Neeson character is great, he was exactly the sort of role model kids like me wanted. You felt he knew what was going on in the boys mind and had some sympathy.
The Arsenal match was both the highest and lowest part of the movie for me, people may argue the lowest was the end but I differ. The realisation that the boy was incapable of being happy, of enjoying himself touched me at a very basic level. In essence it is for this reason that I feel Neeson did the boy a favour by drowning him, even though effectively he was taking on the mantle as now he had this burden on his own life.
I love this film, it has stayed with me right throughout my adolescence and I often think of it now as an adult. No other film has touched me in such a way, I just wish they would show it on the T.V. or that I could find the video. Not that I need it because the way I felt fourteen years ago is as strong now.
This LAMB has a broken leg
Pro Jury21 December 2003
At a glance, the first 2/3 of LAMB appears to be a quiet, thoughtful, interesting character study of a man whose paternal instincts awaken and sweep aside his long held religious convictions. But out of nowhere, an unbelievable scene takes place where the little kid is handed Liam Neeson's much needed life's savings to give away. It rang about as true as if space aliens had landed and vaporized the bundle of money with an atomic ray gun.
The better way to end a thoughtful character study is using the philosophy LESS IS MORE. Unfortunately, the last third of LAMB revolts against the whole notion of quiet contemplation. Brash dramatics and pushing the edge of believability dominates the end.
The better way to end a thoughtful character study is using the philosophy LESS IS MORE. Unfortunately, the last third of LAMB revolts against the whole notion of quiet contemplation. Brash dramatics and pushing the edge of believability dominates the end.
Interesting
Beck9710 September 1999
Lamb is really good movie. Liam Neeson does a fine job in this film. Its probably not the best he's ever done, but the movie deserves some credit. He plays Brother Sebastian a man questioning his faith and his role in life.
He befriends a small boy named Owen who has had nothing but bad things throughout his life. During all of this his father dies and leaves his estate to him, he gets part of the money up front and decides to elope with young Owen. Things go from good to bad to bad to worse, with a ending that will shock you.
He befriends a small boy named Owen who has had nothing but bad things throughout his life. During all of this his father dies and leaves his estate to him, he gets part of the money up front and decides to elope with young Owen. Things go from good to bad to bad to worse, with a ending that will shock you.
What an awful story, awful character and awful ending
richard_stiles3 March 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Might as well leave the kid with the priests. Might as well leave him with his parents, as bad as they were. Dude who thought he was the moral authority buckled under the strain and couldn't handle it. I know that kind of people, they're the worst. The high and mighties are whiny, preachy, cowardly backstabbers who will betray and throw you away if you become inconvenient. The hero is the villain. I know all the arguments against that, go ahead and say them all, and when you're done, okay, whatever, the hero is the villain. I like Liam Neeson, but I hate this character and I hate this movie. I wish I never saw it. This will be my new standard for what a horrible story is.
A vortex of drama and humanism
gbb19096 November 2001
One of coldest, driest, most painful film ever made in England. A love story with sad irony, but no humorism. You will appreciate a young Liam Neeson, in one of his first effort as protagonist. And the lovely and desperate little Hugh O'Conor: he will face the priests' life again, as one of them,in Lasse Halstrom's CHOCOLAT (2000). A picture you'll never forget.
What a complete waste of time
Ralph_Wiggum4 March 2003
This was a terrible movie; the ending is grotesque and completely wrecked the film. The sad part is that it had the potential to be special- Liam Neesan was excellent, and Hugh O'Connor did a nice job for a little kid. But it's as if the director said, "Let's make sure we throw in an ending that the audience WILL NOT accept, and then we can go home for the day."
Unless you watch movies in order to feel really unhappy, I'd avoid this one at all costs.
Unless you watch movies in order to feel really unhappy, I'd avoid this one at all costs.
Truly harrowing yet wonderful movie
NapoleonX23 December 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Some comments on this movie focus on the ending, labelling it unnecessary, violent, whatever. Saying it ruins the film.
I sometimes wonder if people like these watch the same movies I do.
Lamb as a movie has it's faults, it's about half an hour too long, at some points the slow pace becomes a chore to get through. A couple of minor issues for a film in which Liam Neeson and Hugh O'Connor give performances of their lives. In Hugh's case this is exceptional considering he looks about 8. The ending is not the problem and if you watch the movie and listen to the characters and understand the motives and feelings, you will understand. It's not like the director went out of his way to hide these. There's a massive hint read out on the radio for goodness sake.
Neeson is pitch perfect as a man out of his depth. Driven to do the right thing he struggles to cope with the consequences of his actions, eventually reaching the only conclusion that makes sense. However the film is not a tragedy. Eoin has a few weeks of happiness with someone who truly cares about him. But the happiness cannot last and the man of God must finally face himself as a coward. Having done the unthinkable out of love he does not have the strength to commit himself to God. Make no mistake, the end is harrowing, but compelling. Neeson outdoes himself. But he is outdone himself by Hugh as Eoin, the smoking, swearing, epileptic child who will none the less enrapture you as much as he does Michael Lamb.
This is a rare film but so worth seeking out. I wish more people had the bravery to make movies as hard as this one.
I sometimes wonder if people like these watch the same movies I do.
Lamb as a movie has it's faults, it's about half an hour too long, at some points the slow pace becomes a chore to get through. A couple of minor issues for a film in which Liam Neeson and Hugh O'Connor give performances of their lives. In Hugh's case this is exceptional considering he looks about 8. The ending is not the problem and if you watch the movie and listen to the characters and understand the motives and feelings, you will understand. It's not like the director went out of his way to hide these. There's a massive hint read out on the radio for goodness sake.
Neeson is pitch perfect as a man out of his depth. Driven to do the right thing he struggles to cope with the consequences of his actions, eventually reaching the only conclusion that makes sense. However the film is not a tragedy. Eoin has a few weeks of happiness with someone who truly cares about him. But the happiness cannot last and the man of God must finally face himself as a coward. Having done the unthinkable out of love he does not have the strength to commit himself to God. Make no mistake, the end is harrowing, but compelling. Neeson outdoes himself. But he is outdone himself by Hugh as Eoin, the smoking, swearing, epileptic child who will none the less enrapture you as much as he does Michael Lamb.
This is a rare film but so worth seeking out. I wish more people had the bravery to make movies as hard as this one.
Substance just not there
timelord-318 October 1999
I must profess the only reason I taped this film when it was shown recently on Australian ABC TV was because I saw that Liam Neeson and Ian Bannen were in it.
I therefore began watching it knowing absolutely nothing about it. I came away feeling slightly disappointed, but overall I found it enjoyable.
The story concerns a priest, played with suitable piousy by Neeson, a man whos faith is slowly ebbing away in the face of hardship.
His eye falls to a newcomer to the school at which he works, a young boy called Owen who seems to have quite a chip on his shoulder, and does not like authority of any kind.
The two develop a friendship, and, at a crucial moment, the priest decides to kidnap the boy and travel to London and better climes. He tells Owen that he has talked to his mother and gained permission to have him for a while.
They spend a while in London (living off an advance of his inheritance from his recently departed father), and get quite close.
But Owen suffers from epilepsy, a condition which requires constant medication. And when the money and drugs start running out...
Lamb is quite a routine picture for much of its length, lacking any real emotional depth until the last 20 minutes. Its length is perhaps a bit long, with its paper thin plot stretched out to accommodate this.
Apart from the last 20-30 minutes where the desperation starts to set in and they run out of money, resorting to more seedier accommodation, it really lacks the hook to keep a viewer interested.
4 out of 10.
I therefore began watching it knowing absolutely nothing about it. I came away feeling slightly disappointed, but overall I found it enjoyable.
The story concerns a priest, played with suitable piousy by Neeson, a man whos faith is slowly ebbing away in the face of hardship.
His eye falls to a newcomer to the school at which he works, a young boy called Owen who seems to have quite a chip on his shoulder, and does not like authority of any kind.
The two develop a friendship, and, at a crucial moment, the priest decides to kidnap the boy and travel to London and better climes. He tells Owen that he has talked to his mother and gained permission to have him for a while.
They spend a while in London (living off an advance of his inheritance from his recently departed father), and get quite close.
But Owen suffers from epilepsy, a condition which requires constant medication. And when the money and drugs start running out...
Lamb is quite a routine picture for much of its length, lacking any real emotional depth until the last 20 minutes. Its length is perhaps a bit long, with its paper thin plot stretched out to accommodate this.
Apart from the last 20-30 minutes where the desperation starts to set in and they run out of money, resorting to more seedier accommodation, it really lacks the hook to keep a viewer interested.
4 out of 10.
Worst film ever.
gmbeurope4 December 2002
I watched this film after reading the book and all I can say is "Worst film ever". The book was actually better then the film and I (and many others) would rate the book as also the worst book ever to be published.
The film seems to overlook all the detail in the book that you need in order to truly develop the characters and allow you to feel in any way pity for them. I would strongly advise against watching this movie.
The film seems to overlook all the detail in the book that you need in order to truly develop the characters and allow you to feel in any way pity for them. I would strongly advise against watching this movie.
Awesome movie
siddharthsurve1 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Aye!! What a movie!! Being an Indian I watched the film only for Liam Neeson. Most of would not agree with the end but I do agree because that was the only thing left to do because the prescription of his fits medicine was not there also his medicines were over. He didn't have planning there is the area liam Neeson failed if he had planning he and the boy could have easily settled in England. Instead of the boy dieing everyday with fits it was good that he died at once.
Meandering
fmwongmd26 October 2020
Twin lives unraveling...
dougsteckler18 June 2021
...as a stroll of snug tension, then a trot, a canter and full gallop. This "terrible beauty" of a film will not suit everyone. Many simply won't even be able to manage it at all. It accosts viewers and taunts all to be as fearless as it. LAMB shrieks the cries of angels. The chemistry...the alchemy of Liam Neeson and Hugh O'Conor together is magisterial in their double-punch of excruciatatingly shared passion, each for the other. Perfect beauty has the fastest fade. How? Oh, oh but how?
Resonated with me, a beautiful dance
brooksbos-217 July 2022
Two souls propping each other up from moment to moment as they challenge the world, knowing there's a price to be paid for their rebellion. They are beautifully crafted archetypes living life to its fullest with all its agony and bliss and they dance together flawlessly. Reminds me of the lives of tortured geniuses like Caravaggio and Van Gogh whose work transcends.
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