Watch The Boys & Girl from County Clare

The Boys & Girl from County Clare is an Irish comedy-drama film set in County Clare during the 1960s. Directed by John Irvin, the movie follows two estranged brothers from the same Irish village who reunite for a traditional music competition that takes place every seven years. Colm Meaney stars as Jimmy, the older and more successful brother who left Ireland for Liverpool at a young age to pursue his career as a musician. Bernard Hill, famous for his role in Titanic, plays his younger brother John Joe, who stayed in the village and took over the family farm. The two brothers have not spoken for 10 years and Jimmy has not returned to Ireland in over 20 years for family events.

The story begins as the two brothers return to their hometown for the annual music competition, which has an added prize of £500 this year. They both have their own respective bands and are determined to win the competition. However, the competition is not the only thing that's heated. The brothers’ rivalry is fueled by old grudges and unspoken feelings, which come to a head as they both compete in the tournament.

Aside from the main theme of family strife, the movie deals with the generation gaps between traditional Irish music and the new wave of rock ‘n’ roll that has made its way to Ireland. Shaun Evans plays Teddy, the bandleader of a rock group who falls for John Joe's daughter, Anne (Andrea Corr), who also plays traditional Irish music. The film provides an interesting contrast between the two musical genres and the different lifestyles they represent.

As the competition begins, tensions rise not only between the brothers but also between the two bands. Jimmy’s band consists of some seasoned musicians, who, despite their previous success, are unable to put their egos aside and work together with their new addition, the ambitious and talented Maire (Charlotte Bradley). Meanwhile, John Joe’s band is made up of himself, Teddy, the young and talented Padraig (Malachy Bourke), and the easily distracted and unpredictable Maisie (Philomena Kavanagh).

The film captures the essence of traditional Irish music and its importance in Irish culture. The music is woven expertly into the plot, enhancing the emotions present in each scene. The scenery and landscapes of County Clare provide a beautiful backdrop to the film, while the costumes add a touch of authenticity to the movie.

The Boys & Girl from County Clare is a heartwarming and entertaining film that is sure to have viewers tapping their feet to the rhythm of the traditional Irish music. It explores the themes of family, music, and community with skill and humor, and the performances of the lead actors are impressive. With an engaging plot, and a knockout ending, this film is a must-watch for anyone looking for feel-good movies.

The Boys & Girl from County Clare is a 2004 romance movie with a runtime of 91 hours. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 59.