Customer Reviews

The McCourts of Limerick [VHS]

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
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"The McCourts of Limerick" is a no-holds-barred, raw, yet deeply personal journey back into the youths of the brothers McCourt. The film's cinematography and emotional sincerity made me feel as though I was actually walking hand-in-hand with my grandfather through the streets of his native village. The laughter, tears, sighs and grins of Frank, Malachy, Michael & Alphie remind viewers of how truly tragic the past century has been for the Irish as a community and how, through love and God-given humor, they have triumphed. The McCourt men are true messengers; Their lessons are both informative and entertaining. The film is a must-have for anyone seeking an understanding into the pain and suffering that drives their Irish ancestors to the point of unstoppable determination and benevolence. Long live the Irish gift for telling it like it is! Slainte!

If you are Irish and have already read Angela's Ashes,you must see this video. I have almost become a McCourt Groupie and I really liked this documentry. The film answers some of the questions that I had when I read the book. Have a go at it db

This video provides a peek into the lives of brothers, authors, and story-tellers Frank, Malachy, Mike, and Alphie McCourt. They recount their childhood dreams and poverty-stricken reality in this 90 minute documentary directed and produced by Malachy's son Connor McCourt. This is an extrodinary video that leaves the viewer in tears from both the humorous and heart-breaking tale of four boys struggling in the lanes of Limerick with an dead-beat alcoholic father, a strong and noble mother, and the deaths of three siblings. This is a must-see for fans of Angela's Ashes and A Monk Swimming!

I haven't read Frank's books but the video immediately grabbed my attention as I tried to sort out the various brothers and timelines.

Superior to the following "McCourts of New York," the brothers opened up to the nephew in terms of their upbringing, how their street geography defined their view of the world, & great slips of past plays.

I particularly loved Frank's story of stealing apples on base and how the American soldiers threatened to execute the starving boys who couldn't work up the nerve to ask for jam or butter on their bread as a "last meal."

Also Malachy's tearful story of their father and a faerie spring was touching and gave a glimpse of a truly magical episode. Even more heart rendering was the story of their mother anticipating his increasingly infrequent returns.

This isn't on Netflix so I would definitely reccomend checking this out.

If you are a fan of the McCourt literary legacy, then you will definately want to add this to your collection. It is an informative, thoughtful, and touching film that is sure to add to the whole McCourt experience.

This visit back to Limerick was filmed by a family member, Conor McCourt. The film was very informative, funny, and of course, tinged with a profound sadness for what the McCourts endured in another time. It is also a tribute to the always amazing strength of the human spirit. Meeting the father, seeing the "lane"...so much good viewing!

This is a warm, real, very personal story. One feels as if he personally knows the people involved. I would recommend to anyone.

"The McCourts of Limerick" has almost been an annual visitor to PBS television affiliate WNET viewers for years now, airing around the time of Saint Patrick's Day. It was quickly produced soon after the publication of Frank McCourt's "Angela's Ashes", and regrettably, has more of the production values of a typical home family video than the succeeding "The McCourts of New York". And yet, what a "home family video" this is from documentary filmmaker Conor McCourt, who excels in recounting the harsh, brutal existence endured by his father Malachy and uncles Frank, Michael and Alphie while growing up in the impoverished lanes of Limerick, Ireland. It is replete with much of the same mordant, bittersweet, and yet, quite hilarious humor which those familiar with the McCourt family saga have come to expect, especially from distinguished writer Frank McCourt and his eldest brother, actor and writer Malachy McCourt. McCourties - diehard fans of Frank's and Malachy's prose - will regard this memorable video as yet another essential one to be added to their collections of Brothers McCourt memorabilia.

Both my wife, and myself enjoyed the tape. It was entertaining, and informative. We feel that they shared a good part of their life.