Dublin Soul

Rating: 9/10 (22 August 2006)

One of the most versatile and promising directors of the '80s, Alan Parker's run of good fortune (Midnight Express, Fame, Pink Floyd The Wall, Birdy, Angel Heart, Mississippi Burning) seemed over when he came out with the mediocre war drama Come See the Paradise in 1990. In 1991, however he had a surprise hit with The Commitments  which was his first comedy since the bizarre Bugsy Malone in 1976. The Commitments was nearer to home than any of his recent films  it was about Dublin, while all of his last dramas were decisively American; it also marked the end of his dealing with war and world-level ethical issues in favor of the small lives of working-class men; and also a return to his love of music, which was prominent in his early films Fame and The Wall.
The Commitments is not a musical though; and to call it a comedy is also difficult. It is hilarious though, as well as touching, and it has as much a sense of rhythm and groove as the great songs within. It's a small film, certainly  especially when compared to melodramatic epics like Mississippi Burning and Angel Heart  a small film about small people, but it's tight, and it's highly enjoyable from start to finish. A wise choice was made in comprising the cast entirely of unknowns (with the exception of the great Colm Meaney in a side-bit as Jimmy Rabbitte's father) and other than Bronagh Gallagher and Angeline Ball none of them had any interest in acting afterward. That makes the characters and the story all the more believable. And that's the main thing that makes The Commitments work so well  it's entirely believable, and the characters are convincing and true to life. They're all very unique characters in a true and human way, and there are no stars to steal the show. The story is believable too, and the ending avoids the clichés of similar British comedy-dramas about working class people in creative fields, which have become so popular in recent years  films like The Full Monty, Billy Elliott and Brassed Off, and manages to be feel-good and yet entirely convincing.
The Commitments is not a major and important film like Mississippi Burning, but to all intents and purposes it's a better one. For anyone who loves soul, blues or funk music it's a must  for any music lover in general, in fact; as well as any lover of English and Irish cinema. Its message may not change the world, but it will stick with you, guaranteed, as will the film. The Commitments is one of the most enjoyable films you'll see, and may be Alan Parker's best creation. An experience not to be missed.