Watch The Commitments

The Commitments is a 1991 film directed by Alan Parker and based on the novel of the same name by Roddy Doyle. The film is set in Dublin, Ireland and follows a group of working-class young adults who come together to form a soul band in the hopes of making it big. The lead character is Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins), a music fanatic who dreams of managing a successful band. He holds auditions in his parents' living room and selects a diverse group of talented, yet inexperienced musicians. The band includes lead vocalist Deco (Andrew Strong), backup vocalist and dancer Natalie (Maria Doyle Kennedy), and trumpet player Joey 'The Lips' Fagan (Johnny Murphy).

Jimmy struggles to keep the band together as they begin to gain popularity, with personal conflicts and outside pressures threatening to break them apart. This includes their gigs at various venues, the addition of a keyboardist, and ultimately their big show at a Dublin concert hall.

At the core of the film is the music. The Commitments deliver phenomenal performances of classic soul tracks like "Mustang Sally" and "Chain of Fools". Their sound catches the attention of record producers and they are soon signed to a contract. In the midst of their success, tensions between the members and Jimmy continue to mount until they ultimately derail the band.

The Commitments is a commentary on the power of music to unite and divide. It explores themes of classism and identity as the members of the band come from varying backgrounds but are united by their love of music. The film captures the essence of the working-class Dublin scene and highlights the obstacles that people face in achieving their dreams.

The cast performances are outstanding, with Andrew Strong's powerful delivery and Robert Arkins' charismatic presence anchoring the film. Angeline Ball delivers as the band's sultry backup singer and Maria Doyle Kennedy enchants as their lead female vocalist. Their on-stage chemistry is electric and their performances are some of the best in film history.

Additionally, the film features a strong Dublin-centric soundtrack, with classic soul hits, by Otis Redding, Percy Sledge and Wilson Pickett, providing a perfect backdrop to the film's action.

Overall, The Commitments is an uplifting film about the power of music and the bonds that it can create between people from all walks of life. With its catchy soundtrack and memorable performances, it remains a cult favorite of music and film enthusiasts alike. It delivers an engaging storyline while showcasing Dublin's vibrant culture, making it well worth watching.

The Commitments is a 1991 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 73.