Rory O'Shea Was Here (2004)
"Inside I'm Dancing" (original title)

When the kinetic Rory moves into his room in the Carrigmore Residential Home for the Disabled, his effect on the home is immediate. Most telling is his friendship with Michael, a young man with cerebral palsy and nearly unintelligible speech. Somehow, Rory understands Michael, and encourages him to experience life outside the confines of home.

Director:

Damien O'Donnell

Writers:

Jeffrey Caine (screenplay), Christian O'Reilly (story)

Stars:

Steven Robertson, Alan King, James McAvoy

4 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Steven Robertson	...	Michael Connolly
Alan King	...	Tommy
Brenda Fricker	...	Eileen
Ruth McCabe	...	Annie
James McAvoy	...	Rory O'Shea
Anna Healy	...	Alice
Tom Hickey	...	Con O'Shea
Sarah Jane Drummey	...	Girl in Pub
Rachel Hanna	...	Girl in Pub
Emmet Kirwan	...	Angry Man
Romola Garai	...	Siobhan
Pat Shortt	...	Nightclub Doorman
Stanley Townsend	...	Interview Panelist
Derbhle Crotty	...	Interview Panelist
Donal Toolan	...	Interview Panelist

Storyline

In Dublin, the crippled rebel Rory O'Shea moves to the Carrigmore Residential Home for the Disabled, affecting the lives of the residents. Rory is able to understand the unintelligible speech of Michael Connolly, who was left in the shelter by his prominent father many years ago due to his cerebral palsy, and they become close friends. Rory convinces Michael to move from Carrigmore to an apartment in Dublin, and they hire the gorgeous Siobhan to assist them. Living together with Rory, Michael faces a new world, finding friendship, love and freedom and learning to survive by his own.

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Plot Keywords:

residential home | cerebral palsy | friendship | love | friend | 

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Taglines:

Live life like you mean it.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [uk] Universal [us]

Country:

UK Ireland France

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 October 2004 (UK)

Also Known As:

Rory O'Shea Was Here

Filming Locations:

Dame Street, Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$6,079 (USA) (4 February 2005)

Gross:

$21,864 (USA) (18 February 2005)

Company Credits

Production Co:

WT2 Productions, Bórd Scannán na hÉireann, Irish Film Board

Technical Specs

Runtime:

104 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Originally, James McAvoy wanted to audition for the part of Michael until he auditioned with Steven Robertson and realized Robertson would be better at the part.

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Quotes

Rory: [looking at Michael] You have the future, Michael. That's what *I* call a gift.

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Connections

References Thelma & Louise (1991)

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Soundtracks

"Easy"
Performed by Groove Armada
Courtesy of Jive

User Reviews

Really great little movie!

I don't usually comment on films since I am in the movie distribution business, but I have to say that this is one of my favorite films of all time. The acting is fantastic and the script is even better. There were no cheesy speeches or exploitation of handicapped people to try and make this movie more "Hollywood". James McAvoy is such an outstanding actor, I could not look away from him if I tried. I was impressed with Steven Robertson as well. I cannot believe this is his first real film. Brenda Fricker plays a small role, but as usual, she is outstanding. This is a movie for everyone to see just how lucky we all are. If you like Awakenings and Mask, you will enjoy this story. You owe it to yourself to check this film out.