Product Details

• Actors: Helen Mirren, John Lynch, Donal McCann, John Kavanagh, Ray McAnally
• Directors: Pat O'Connor
• Writers: Bernard MacLaverty
• Producers: David Puttnam, Terence A. Clegg
• Format: Color, HiFi Sound, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rating: R (Restricted)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Warner Home Video
• VHS Release Date: September 1, 1998
• Run Time: 102 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6300270505
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #9,837 in Video (See Bestsellers in Video)

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  Video > Art House & International > European Cinema > Ireland

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Cal remains one of the finest films ever made about Ireland's contemporary troubles. It's a melancholy drama about a gentle 19-year-old Catholic in Northern Ireland (the title character, subtly played by John Lynch) who's haunted by his involvement with the IRA. He's attracted to a local widow (Helen Mirren) whose husband was murdered by an IRA assassin; Cal was a reluctant accessory to the killing. The attraction grows mutual between these lonely souls, but Cal's secret--and their inability to extract themselves from Ireland's violence--makes it impossible for love to blossom. Sensitively directed by Pat O'Connor, and enhanced by Mark Knopfler's fine, understated score, Cal tells a familiar story with quiet power and compassionate balance. Mirren, who won the Best Actress award at the Cannes film festival, matches Lynch with tender love in an atmosphere of hate. As Ireland continues to heal its political wounds, Cal is a quiet reminder that progress has been slow and rife with personal tragedy. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quiet Desperation, July 15, 2000

By	Robert Klekar (Luling, Texas) - See all my reviews

The film "Cal" is one of the best I have seen. I have repeatedly watched this film. Set in the chaos of the Catholic/Protestant conflict in Northern Ireland, this film captures the quiet desperation of those caught up in the strife. John Lynch does a magnificent portrayal of a young man coming of age and wrestling with his conscience because of the dark deeds of his past. Helen Mirren puts in yet another golden performance in her role as a widowed housewife, who's life is both broken and touched by the film's protaganist. At times depressing, the film's stark reality is all too human. Mark Knoffler's soundtrack masterfully underscores the melancholic atmosphere of the film.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The silences in this film say more than the best script., December 26, 1998

By A Customer

As Cal, John Lynch offers a portrait of quiet desperation and stoicism. The madness of the "Troubles" is muted but remains powerfully evident so that not even love can withstand them. A dark and affecting film that leaves you wondering whether there will ever be an answer.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Once you come inside, there' s no way out! , December 25, 2005

By	Hiram Gomez Pardo (Valencia, Venezuela) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Cal (DVD)

This superb gem deals with the tribulations, disappointments and disillusions once the ideals face against the crude reality. John lynch is Cal a teenage boy who wants to sever his ties with the IRA. But the other side of the dramatis personae resides precisely in the fact, the widow of the policeman he helped murder, falls in love with him and he doubts if he must tell the sordid story or not.

Helen Mirren won her First Prize in Cannes as best actress in 1984 with this towering performance; (the second Prize in 1995 was awarded by The madness of King George). Ambitious and mature film that share all honors together with Hidden Agenda of Ken Loach.

A legendary icon of the Eighties.