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The General

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Movie info

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Synopsis

Mastermind criminal . . . family man . . . legendary folk hero. This true story reveals the man behind the growing myth: notorious Irish gangster Martin Cahill, known to many as The General.

Stealing food as a boy to survive poverty in a Dublin slum, Martin Cahill (Brendan Gleeson--Braveheart) turns to a life of crime that follows him until his violent death at the hands of an assassin. During Cahill's 20-year criminal reign, he steals fortunes through intimidation, brutality and meticulous planning. Living by his own rules, Cahill brazenly fathers children with both his wife and her sister. Despite being Ireland's most wanted man, he cleverly constructs airtight alibis and eludes capture. Yet Inspector Ned Kenny (Oscar winner Jon Voight--Coming Home, Rosewood), determined to bring Cahill down, relentlessly pursues the cunning ringleader and his gang.

Based on the book by Paul Williams.

Movie info:

Release:
1988
Running Time:
123 min
Certificate:
Suitable only for 15 years and over
Availability:
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  1. Frank Mackey Frank Mackey

    Gritty and Brutal Portrayal

    06 December 2008
    "The General" is the nickname of the real-life, contemporary Irish criminal, Martin Cahill. Brilliantly played by Brendan Gleeson, director John Boorman dramatizes Cahill's odd career as a very successful thief and robber. Shot in black and white the movie has a gritty realism that doesn't glamorize Cahill and his gang. But Cahill, as portrayed by Gleeson and Boorman, is a likable and quirky eccentric who does things his own way, a characteristic which causes him to fall afoul of both the police and the IRA.

    Not your typical A-List Hollywood crime melodrama, this movie is not for everyone, especially those looking for the typical Vin Diesel or Al Pacino crime flick. This is more like the Sopranos in the Irish slums. And, I recommend it highly for a Saturday night rental; just be forewarned that it is quite brutal and intense at times.

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