Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Iain Glen | ... | Willie Quinton | |
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio | ... | Marianne | |
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Sean T. McClory | ... | Young Willie Quinton |
Frankie McCafferty | ... | Tim Paddy | |
Niamh Cusack | ... | Josephine | |
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Ronnie Masterson | ... | Mrs. Flynn |
Tom Hickey | ... | Father Kilgarrif | |
Julie Christie | ... | Mrs. Quinton | |
Amy-Joyce Hastings | ... | Geraldine Quinton (as Amy Hastings) | |
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Hazel Flanagan | ... | Deirdre Quinton |
Michael Kitchen | ... | Mr. Quinton | |
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Mick Lally | ... | Mr. Derenzy |
John Kavanagh | ... | Johnny Lacy | |
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P.G. Brady | ... | Thin Man |
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Jimmy Keogh | ... | O'Neill |
This an intensely moving story of young love set in 1918 rural Ireland. We see how three generations of the same family are shattered by the Anglo-Irish conflict. 'Fools of Fortune' takes place on the huge estate of the Quintons. Sheltered from the economic and political travails all around them, they are shocked into the real world when one of their workers is ritualistically murdered. Previously noncommittal, the family is thrust into the middle of the struggle. After a deadly confrontation in which most of his loved ones are killed, young Willie vows revenge and embarks on a journey of political intrigue, love and self exile. Written by iainglen.com
I found this film to be extremely engrossing. I am surprised that it has not received a higher rating. It has an excellent script and a very fine cast. It is superbly directed with Iain Glenn shown periodically in the present hiding from revenge done to his family. Michael Kitchen is fine as the father but it is the great actress, Julie Christie, who steals every scene she is in. It is not her unquestionable beauty but her acting is top notch and she has incredible screen presence. This film was not widely distributed and it should have been. It is a very good story of the violence in Ireland after WWI. I highly recommend this art-house film. It is not mainstream fare but I do think many people would have loved this film as I do. I was intrigued to watch this film due to Julie Christie being in this cast. I love this film even with the most unusual ending. It is a film I have watched several times. Give it a chance. It is excellent.