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Cal (1984)

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All Critics
Top Critics

Average Rating: 6.9/10
Reviews Counted: 11
Fresh: 10 | Rotten: 1

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Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 3
Fresh: 2 | Rotten: 1

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Average Rating: 3.6/5
User Ratings: 82

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Movie Info

In the opening scenes of this politically-oriented drama, a killer enters the home of a policeman and in a shocking sequence murders him in cold blood -- an act that becomes the key to the rest of this film about the conflict between politics and life. Young Catholic, Cal (John Lynch) works in a slaughterhouse during the day and has participated in terrorist activities, but he wants out after he has been forced to drive a getaway car in the murder of the policeman. Meanwhile, he is slowly

R, 1 hr. 44 min.

Drama, Romance, Mystery & Suspense

Directed By: Pat O'Connor

In Theaters: Aug 24, 1984 Wide

Cast

Helen Mirren
Marcella
John Lynch
Cal
Donal McCann
Shamie
John Kavanagh
Skeffington
Ray McAnally
Dunlop
Stevan Rimkus
Crilly
Gerard Mannix Flynn
Arty
Seamus Ford (II)
Old Man Morton
Kitty Gibson
Mrs. Morton
Tom Hickey
Preacher
Audrey Johnston
Lucy
Brian Munn
Robert Morton
Louis Rolston
Dermot Ryan
Gerard O'Hagan
Soldier at Farm
Scott Frederick
Soldier at Farm
Daragh O'Malley
Scar-Faced Policeman
George Shane
Second Policeman
Edward Byrne
Skeffington Senior

Critic Reviews for Cal

All Critics (11) | Top Critics (3) | Fresh (10) | Rotten (1)

Cal tells a story that has been told many times before, but tells it quietly and powerfully about a particular time and place: Northern Ireland in the 1980s.

October 23, 2004 Full Review Source: Chicago Sun-Times

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Top Critic

Miss Mirren, through a reserve that disappears layer by layer, makes Marcella a woman of unexpected substance and generosity, one who is no more comfortable with the pain and paradoxes of Northern Ireland than Cal is himself.

May 20, 2003 Full Review Source: New York Times

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Janet Maslin

New York Times

Top Critic

[A] trite, weepy, rather contrived tale -- you feel that every extra who passes in the street has a more involving, authentic story to tell.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: Chicago Reader

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Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

Top Critic

The symbolism is thrashed just a little hard at times, but on the whole it's a most impressive debut from O'Connor, strongly acted all round.

February 9, 2006 Full Review Source: Time Out

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Time Out

Has its powerful moments.

January 26, 2006 Full Review Source: Ozus' World Movie Reviews

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Dennis Schwartz

Ozus' World Movie Reviews

A taut, compelling film about the tension, distrust and senseless violence in contemporary Ireland.

July 23, 2003 Full Review Source: Spirituality and Practice

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Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality and Practice

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