The boondock Saints is quite an unusually interesting film. It has the smirking wit of Pulp Fiction but the rawness and violence with Reservoir Dogs. In fact it even feels like a Tarantino film but it isn’t. Written and direction by Troy Duffy it gives us a compelling look on violence with a sense of decency. It is unique as it packs violence with offbeat characters and a bizarre sense of humor. It was never a big hit but has gained cult status since released.

Connor MacManus and Murphy MacManus are two brothers living in Southern Boston, they are Irish and enjoy fighting. They look after each other with their lives and enjoy drinking at their local pub run by an old man with Turrets syndrome. When the pub is about to be bought by some Russian mobsters Connor and Murphy stop them but don’t quite kill them yet the Russians are found dead in the mourning. Paul Smecker believes it was Connor and Murphy but doesn’t have any proof and lets them go from questioning. That night, Connor and Murphy have a strange epiphany they are told to cleanse the world of evil so it can be good. They go on murder sprees killing crime boss along with their friend Rocco. Paul Smecker is hot on their trail but something has been troubling him, they are killing people but they are killing the right people to kill. Confused, he turns to the local priest for advice.

This film is deep in subject and strangely compelling. It may not seem like it would have a lot of humor but you would be surprised with the amount of wit and humor the film packs. I was almost convinced it was partially a comedy, although I don’t think it is the film has its share of humorous moments. It is not hard to suspect that this film would have high levels of violence but that is the films point. The Boondock Saints raise an interesting question that doesn’t enter most people minds. Is it a crime to kill dangerous people even if it is still murder? The Boondock saints don’t thinks so and they are still perfectly devout Catholics with religious and moral standards. Even at the end the movie’s reporter interviews people and their views on what the Boondock Saints are doing. The results were quite realistic. Some people said it was horrible while others wanted to sign up. However the majority of people had no comment as they feel it is to troubling.

The film carries a distinct Irish flavor to it and it is nice to see. The films theme song is a traditional Irish song with the usual bagpipes and flutes but it feels deep and seems to subtly symbolize their beliefs and reasons for what is necessary. The acting is good and has a worthy cast. Despite no huge stars with the exception of William Dafoe the cast of relatively unknowns performs excellently. Sean Patrick Flannery who you may or may not remember from the Young Indiana Joan’s series plays the first brother. He does an excellent job and has a dramatic performance. Sean Patrick was expected to be the next big star but unfortunately nothing much came of it. At least he still put on a wonderful performance here. Norman Reedus plays the other brother just as great as the last. The two brothers work well together and have nice on screen chemistry. The best part about the duo is how believable they really are. You certainly believe they are brothers as they bicker and fight but ultimately care for each other. William Dafoe gives an undeniably strange acting job as the detective yet it is also strangely heart felt as he gives his full emotions in his scenes. He says some ironic stuff and has trouble deciding if the Saints are wrong in their actions or not.

I’ve seen a good amount of films in my life and these are the kinds of films I like the most. The type of film that sucks you in right a way and doesn’t let you go till its over. The kind of film that is compelling and when it is over the first thing you can say is “that was a good movie.” I have felt this way over a number of films and I’m happy to say this is another film that I felt that way. The dialogue in the film is truly excellent. Every line is delivered with ease and the conversations have wit. The violence perfectly mixes in with the comedy going on. At one moment it could be suspense but the next second you will be laughing it just seems to work like that, oddly.

Overall I’d say this is an excellent film. It has all the right elements to work and does work thankfully. From the Irish accents to the unbelievable weapons and blood shed the film carries on with ease and hits all the right places. Ironically this was Troy Duffy’s first and only film he directed and wrote. There may be some story behind this but with a film with such great direction and writing it’s hard to see why he didn’t make more films. Perhaps he didn’t want to get to famous, whatever the reason is at least he made one great film. This is a very special film, it will get you to think, cry, and laugh. It is very deserving of your money so I suggest renting it. The pros are many and the cons are few, if any. Somewhere between big Hollywood movies lie hidden treasures like this so if you’re in for a good film then go see it now.

5 stars

Cast

Willem Dafoe .... Paul Smecker

Sean Patrick Flanery .... Connor MacManus

Norman Reedus .... Murphy MacManus

David Della Rocco .... David Della 'Roc/Funny Man' Rocco

Billy Connolly .... Il Duce


Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age