Memorable, crazy movie

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

As somebody who had not heard any of this before, it became a curious phenomenon to sit and watch a film and slowly have the realities begin to click into place.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

In the first few minutes of "The General", it may throw you off and make you think that you already know the ending. But it turns out that John Boorman has a fine plot in store. The film shows how Martin Cahill (Brendan Gleeson) not only had to deal with the English occupation, but with the police in his native Ireland. And clearly, when you see his background, it's clear that he wasn't going to be a "model citizen". Cahill, like any other person, was a product of the society that created him. And it led to a very good biopic.I certainly recommend this movie. You have to be patient with it, just to let the characters develop, but it's certainly an enjoyable film. Also starring Jon Voight.

I have seen Brendon Gleeson in many movies - Beowulf, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Kingdom of Heaven, Harrison's Flowers, and more. But, I really didn't appreciate his talent until In Bruges. That same performance that made me like that film is here.Writer/Director John Boorman (Deliverence, Hope & Glory) uses Gleeson brilliantly in this biopic that will grab you immediately, especially after he deposits 80,000 pounds and then has his buds rob the bank while he marches across the street to the police station.This is also the best performance I have seen by Jon Voight, playing the police inspector trying to get Gleeson.An outstanding film.

This European gangster could part of the Soprano's crime family! The title character is gruff, smart as hell and even funny! The General moves quickly and it's exiting to watch Martin elude his nemesis. This film DOES offer some hard to digest issues--such as adolescent incest/rape; In particular, what is Martin's TRUE relationship with his 2 sisters? Where did all those kids come from anyway??If you happen to come across this film while surfing the channels, be sure to take the time to watch. And turn the subtitles on, as these characters are as hard to understand as the blokes from Trainspotting & Snatch.

I didn't know much about Martin Cahill before this film, and I tripped over it on IFC a few nights ago. And I'm glad i did because this is one of the best movies i have seen in quite some time. Shot entirely in black and white and told through a flashback, we are shown Cahill as both the clever criminal gang head, and as the father, brother, and husband of his family. The dialogue is intelligent, fast paced, and ripe with wit and banter between the characters, but one must keep attentive, because you may miss a lot due to the Irish accents. pay particular attention to Cahill and police when they awake him in his tent in the beginning. I think this is a must see for any taste