Watch The General

The General is a 1998 film directed by John Boorman, based on the true story of Martin Cahill, an infamous Dublin-based criminal. Brendan Gleeson stars as Cahill, who is known as "The General" due to his expertise and notoriety in committing robberies and other heinous crimes in the city. The movie opens with Cahill stealing a valuable car in a daring and well-planned heist, displaying his intelligence and cunning to the audience right from the start. The General uses this particular car as his personal vehicle, driving around the city with it as the police struggle to catch him. Cahill is a complex character, with a sharp wit and an intense aura that draws people towards him, even as they fear him.

As the movie progresses, Cahill becomes embroiled in an intense war with the authorities, as they attempt to bring him to justice. The police are constantly on his trail, and Cahill must be agile and vigilant to avoid capture. Gleeson's portrayal of Cahill is stunning, with a deep understanding of the character's motivations and thought processes. Cahill is not simply a "bad guy," but a charismatic and fascinating individual whose story is worth telling.

The supporting cast is also excellent, with Adrian Dunbar playing Cahill's loyal friend Noel, and Sean McGinley as Detective Inspector Ned Kenny, who is determined to bring Cahill down. Dunbar brings a likable charm to Noel, despite his involvement in Cahill's criminal activities, while McGinley is convincing as a frustrated and angry policeman, who feels that Cahill is a menace to society and must be stopped at all costs.

The film is set against the backdrop of Dublin in the 1980s and early 1990s. The city is presented as gritty and dangerous, with Cahill's operations taking place in working-class neighborhoods and seedy bars. The General's life is contrasted with that of his long-suffering wife Frances, who lives in a much more affluent area of the city. She disapproves of Cahill's criminal activities and is often at odds with him. Maria Doyle Kennedy delivers a brilliant performance as Frances, portraying her as a strong, capable woman who is trapped in a toxic marriage with a notorious criminal.

The General's tone is a mix of thriller, drama, and black comedy. John Boorman effortlessly blends these genres, creating a film that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The humor in the movie is often dark and satirical, with many scenes eliciting laughter from the audience despite the serious subject matter.

Overall, The General is a must-watch movie. The performances are excellent, the direction is top-notch, and the story is gripping and fascinating. The film explores themes of loyalty, friendship, love, and betrayal, making it a rich and layered viewing experience. Gleeson's portrayal of Martin Cahill is one of the best of his career, and the film stands as a testament to his talent as an actor. Whether you are a fan of crime movies, biopics, or just great cinema in general, The General should have a place in your movie library.

The General is a 1989 crime movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 4 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 81.