Breakfast on Pluto (2005)

In the 1970s, a young trans woman, Patrick "Kitten" Braden, comes of age by leaving her Irish town for London, in part to look for her mother and in part because her gender identity is beyond the town's understanding.

Director:

Neil Jordan

Writers:

Neil Jordan, Pat McCabe (as Patrick McCabe)

Stars:

Cillian Murphy, Morgan Jones, Eva Birthistle

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 6 wins & 16 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Cillian Murphy	...	Patrick 'Kitten' Braden
Morgan Jones	...	Building Site Worker
Eva Birthistle	...	Eily Bergin
Liam Neeson	...	Father Liam
Mary Coughlan	...	Housekeeper
Conor McEvoy	...	Young Patrick Braden
Ruth McCabe	...	Ma Braden
Charlene McKenna	...	Caroline Braden
Seamus Reilly	...	Lawrence
Peter Owens	...	Butcher
Emmet Lawlor McHugh	...	Young Irwin
Bianca O'Connor	...	Young Charlie
Paraic Breathnach	...	Benny Feely
Pat McCabe	...	Peepers Egan / Schoolmaster (as Patrick McCabe)
Owen Roe	...	Dean

Storyline

A young transwoman, Patrick "Kitten" Braden, comes of age in the 1970s. She leaves her Irish town, in part to look for her mother and in part because her transgender nature is beyond the town's understanding. She's taken in by a rock band, falls for the lead singer, has brushes with the IRA, is arrested by the London police, works in a peep show, and poses as a survey researcher for the phone company. Throughout, her nationality and her nature put her at great risk. In her search for her mother, she makes surprising discoveries of friendship and family. But, will she survive?

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Plot Keywords:

irish | 1970s | ira | friendship | transgender | 

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Taglines:

Same world, different planet!

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sexuality, language, some violence and drug use

Did You Know?

Trivia

Cillian Murphy and Liam Neeson also appeared in Batman Begins (2005), and The Dark Knight Rises (2012).

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Goofs

Although The Wombles would have been at the height of their popularity during the film's mid-70s setting, the appearances of the featured Wombles are based on the designs from their late-90s revival, in particular Wellington. Also, Alderney is shown - although included in the books, she didn't make her screen debut until the 90s series.

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Quotes

Bertie: Fantastic!

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Crazy Credits

With thanks to the people of Callan Co., Kilkenny

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Connections

References Paris, Texas (1984)

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Soundtracks

Honey
(1968)
Written by Bobby Russell
Performed by Bobby Goldsboro
Published by EMI Music Publishing Ltd.
Licensed courtesy of EMI Records Ltd.

User Reviews

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This film is about a transvestite on one level, but it is also a lot more: it's about, belonging, being, loving and being loved. What could have been a one-dimensional caricature becomes a three dimensional movie in the hands of a good director like Neil Jordan, and actors such as Liam Neeson, Stephen Rea, and Cillian Murphy (who is magnificent).

Cillian Murphy imbues Patrick "Kitten" with growing dignity as he/she matures through the film, and at the end she has become a self-assured woman, who has 'found' family, her mother and father, and a meaning in life.

The film does not shy away from the Irish-English conflict, either, and the prejudice directed against "Paddy" is appalling, reminiscent of "In the Name of the Father." It is not for the faint-hearted, be aware! Costumes and music of the late 60's / early 70's are both equally impressive. There is an excellent soundtrack.

In all, I found the film quirky and uplifting; a friend with me pronounced it "depressing". Whatever, it needs to be seen and Provo's an interesting view of the times in which the story is set. Judge for ourself.

Details

Country:

Ireland UK

Language:

English Irish

Release Date:

6 January 2006 (USA)

Also Known As:

Breakfast on Pluto

Filming Locations:

Bray Head Hotel, Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$33,279, 20 November 2005

Gross USA:

$828,699

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$3,942,254

Company Credits

Production Co:

Pathé Pictures International, Bórd Scannán na hÉireann, Northern Ireland Film and Television Commission

Technical Specs

Runtime:

128 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1