Mickybo and Me (2004)

The film tells the story of two boys who become friends at the start of the Troubles in 1970. They share an obsession with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), with the consequence that they run away to Australia.

Director:

Terry Loane

Writers:

Terry Loane (screenplay), Owen McCafferty (play)

Stars:

John Joesph Mcneill, Niall Wright, Julie Walters

2 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
John Joesph Mcneill	...	Mickybo
Niall Wright	...	Jonjo
Julie Walters	...	Mickybo's Ma
Ciarán Hinds	...	Jonjo's Da
Adrian Dunbar	...	Mickybo's Da
Gina McKee	...	Jonjo's Ma
Susan Lynch	...	Torch Woman
Laine Megaw	...	Auntie Rita
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Barbara Adair	...	Elderly Wife
Hannah Carnegie	...	Niamh
Patricia Carson	...	Annie
Brendan Caskey	...	Gank
Charlie Clarke	...	Fartface
Maria Connolly	...	Travel Agent Lady
Chris Corrigan	...	Policeman 1

Storyline

Based on the play of the same name the film tells the story of two boys who become friends at the start of the Troubles in 1970. The boys share an obsession with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, with the consequence that they run away to Australia.

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Plot Keywords:

ireland | children | belfast | based on play | 

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Taglines:

We all need heroes

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and brief sexuality

Details

Official Sites:

UIP [Ireland]

Country:

UK France

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 March 2005 (UK)

Also Known As:

Mickybo & Me

Filming Locations:

Tyrella, Co. Down, Northern Ireland, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$5,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£49,475 (United Kingdom), 1 April 2005, Limited Release

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures,StudioCanal,Working Title Films

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film takes place in 1970.

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Goofs

The 'Chopper' bike that features does not have a 'gear stick' in the center of the frame meaning that is one of the Mk3 chopper bikes released in 2004, not an original one in keeping with the time period of the movie.

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Quotes

Jonjo: [narrating] My Auntie Rita had no husband, no children. She was wedded to the Good Lord, she said. God knows what He did to deserve someone like her.

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Connections

References Give My Head Peace (1998)

User Reviews

Excellent

Yes, what a great film. The only film I've ever seen that has prompted me to do a Google search and post a message!! The young actors do a fine job, supported by the big names and the great scenery. Nostalgic yes, but realistic also.

I thought it was good how they dealt with the Northern Irish situation without making it feature in every scene as some have done. I noticed religion was only mentioned once at the beginning, but the characters aren't defined by it. The scene towards the end of the handover at the border is very true, as an outsider coming into Northern Ireland I have seen how some perceive it as akin to the Berlin wall, whereas in reality it is quite insignificant. I think both boys act in a way that reflects the way their fathers treat them, you can see some of Mickybo's father in the way he tells off Jonjo on the stairs in the old house. And later, Jonjo reflects on his fathers affair and how he doesn't wish to return home to it, (after the hay fire).

While not taking sides, I think the ending summed up how the problems of Northern Ireland have continued, the way friendships change after tragic events, the facts become distorted (who stole the bike), and peer pressure dictating who you associate with.

Well done to film team.

Regards, Dan.