The General

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Cast & Crew

Brendan Gleeson
Martin Cahill

Adrian Dunbar
Noel Curley

Sean McGinley
Gary

Maria Doyle Kennedy
Frances

Angeline Ball
Tina

Jon Voight
Inspector Ned Kenny

Eanna Macliam
Jimmy

Tom Murphy
Willie Byrne

Paul Hickey
Anthony

Tommy O'Neill
Paddy

John Boorman
Director

John Boorman
Writer

Paul Williams
Writer (Novel)

John Boorman
Producer

Kieran Corrigan
Executive Producer

Betsy Davis
Co-Executive Producer

P.J. Pettiette
Co-Executive Producer

Richie Buckley
Original Music

Seamus Deasy
Director of Photography

Ron Davis
Film Editor

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Critic Reviews for The General

Audience Reviews for The General

• Sep 02, 2013

  I thought the movie is about some military general. And quite a brave one for that matter, when the beginning describes him as a legend. Apparently, I was amazed when it turned out about some legendary Irish criminal who pulled out heists outwitting the legal authorities. While ruthless and mean to the rest of the world, Martin Cahill cared enough for his family. He even extended his generosity to his sister-in-law. The way he embarrassed the police authorities was a stroke of brilliance. Jon Voight, playing Ned Kelly, does fair enough as an Inspector who is now and again left in an embarrassing position by Martin as he seems to get a kick out of it. Brendan Gleeson portrays Cahill outstandingly. He's simply par excellence. However, his covering the face with one hand constantly caused me a bit of irritation initially. But after a while, I got used to it. How's one to know (if need be, let it be known that there are always exceptions) that the legendary Martin too used to do so for real. Quite an intriguing & worthwhile stuff, and that too based on real events. Sufficient & efficient enough for me. Might not have been so appealing with the foreknowledge about this incredible scumbag, infamously known as The General.
  familiar s Super Reviewer
• Mar 17, 2012

  A criative screenplay and terrific direction, just like the acting, The General is a great motion picture. Fresh.
  Lucas M Super Reviewer
• Dec 05, 2011

  A thief, pursued by an old friend from the neighborhood, evades the cops and the IRA. Brendan Gleeson is fantastic as the eponymous character; he's both awkward and wily, not looking the part of the thief but pulling it off believably. The rest of the supporting cast supports Gleeson admirably, but even Jon Voight doesn't deliver a stand-out performance. The story is fairly basic -- a crime drama in which the criminal cleverly eludes his pursuers -- and I can't say that by the end of the film I cared about the characters. The film is so evenly presented that I wondered what it was saying. What is unique about this criminal that we haven't seen before besides his physique (compare Gleeson to George Clooney's Danny Ocean)? Overall, there's not a lot to feel strongly about in this film except Gleeson's superb performance.
  Jim H Super Reviewer
• Jul 02, 2011

  John Boorman delicately handles the life of a criminal. It's always a tough job to do because these are horrible people. They thrive on false placed loyalty and self pity that their lives aren't better. The film succeeds as it presents Cahill (accurately or not) as a mischievous little devil. His crimes are often funny, as is his relationship with the police. Like a good film should, it gradually shows his physical and mental deterioration. It isn't long before he is taken over by paranoia, and when the police begin to use his own form of harassment against him, we see a broken and sad man. As the film progresses, we see his associates as they truly are. Drugs addicts, sex offenders, terrorists, we get the sense that Cahill realises he is not the romanticised character he is. Great stuff all round, with a moody saxophone score, and stunning performances.
  Luke B Super Reviewer

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