Watch The Rising of the Moon

The Rising of the Moon is a 1957 drama film directed by John Ford and starring Tyrone Power, Noel Purcell, and Cyril Cusack. The title of the film is taken from the Irish national anthem and refers to the moon rising over Ireland as a symbol of hope and rebellion. The plot of the film consists of three short stories that take place in Ireland. The first story is about a police sergeant (Noel Purcell) who is tasked with capturing a notorious Irish rebel (Cyril Cusack). The second story is about a traveling balladeer (Donal Donnelly) who sings songs about the Irish struggle for independence. The third story is about an old man (Tyrone Power) who is visited by a young couple (Maureen Cusack and Jimmy O'Dea) and learns about the changing world around him.

The film explores themes of Irish identity, nationalism, and rebellion. The characters in the film are all struggling in one way or another with their sense of identity and belonging. The police sergeant is torn between his duties as a law enforcement officer and his loyalty to his fellow Irishmen. The balladeer is proud of his Irish heritage but feels disconnected from the land and the people. The old man is nostalgic for the days of his youth when Ireland was a simpler place and laments the changes that have taken place.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its use of location shooting in Ireland. John Ford was renowned for his love of Ireland and his use of the countryside and small towns as a backdrop for his films. The Rising of the Moon is no exception, with stunning shots of rolling hills, rugged coastlines, and quaint villages. The film captures the beauty and isolation of the Irish landscape, as well as the sense of history and tradition that pervades the country.

The performances in the film are uniformly excellent, with each actor bringing depth and nuance to their roles. Noel Purcell is especially impressive as the conflicted police sergeant, conveying both his sense of duty and his inner turmoil. Cyril Cusack is also excellent as the rebel leader, conveying a sense of charisma and determination that make it easy to understand why people would follow him.

Tyrone Power, in one of his final film roles, is somewhat overshadowed by the other actors but still manages to give a poignant and nuanced performance as the old man. He conveys a sense of quiet dignity and resignation that is both moving and relatable.

Overall, The Rising of the Moon is a powerful and thoughtful film that explores the complexities of Irish identity and nationalism. Its themes are universal, and its message of hope and rebellion continue to resonate today. It is a testament to the talent of John Ford and his ability to capture the essence of Ireland in all its beauty and turmoil.

The Rising of the Moon is a 1957 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.