Waking Ned Devine Movie Review (1998)
A small-town comedy about a group of Irish villagers attempting to claim a dead man’s lottery winnings, Waking Ned Devine is a sweet and easygoing film, with charming characters and a warm sense of humor.
There are so many movies out there that people recommend that sometimes things slip through the cracks. This is one of those movies. Before I put it on, I wondered if I’d maybe watched it and forgotten, but I can now say definitively that’s not the case. If you know me well or read my review of The Secret Of Roan Inish, you know that I’ve always loved the selkie scene. I’ve watched it hundreds of times. But the selkie is played by Susan Lynch, and as soon as she appeared in this movie, I gasped out loud. So, that’s already half a star from me, right from the beginning of the film.
Waking Ned Devine is about the people of a small Irish village that has only 52 people. When Jackie O’Shea and Michael O’Sullivan discover that someone in town has won the lottery, they do some sly investigation into who it is. They eventually find that Ned Divine is the only person not in attendance at a chicken dinner and realize he died from shock at his win. The two men then plot to pretend to be Ned in order to collect his winnings.
This is a charming, lighthearted little comedy that has men bathing nude at the beach and a woman trying to decide whether she can marry an odorous pig farmer. It has a similar love and warmth as Roan Inish and The Quiet Girl, making me want to go to Ireland more than I ever have before.
Most of the movie is filled with funny, conniving, and conversational moments, but there was one event that had me yell out loud, “Oh my God!,” so there are a few twists and turns.
Being from Chicago myself, the people of this town reminded me of the dynamic we have with our sports teams. Everyone in Tullymore knows everyone, and they interact regularly, though sometimes only because they have to. But because they are so close, they’re also like a little family.
For us, you are either a Cubs or Sox fan (you can only be one), and you know where you stand, but if you leave town and someone picks on one of the teams, you’ll defend both. Because that’s how this family works.
Waking Ned Devine is a whimsical little story that takes place in a picturesque town with lovable characters trying to accomplish a task that will make their lives better, although it’s illegal. This tale is so charming and ultimately touching, though, that you’re hoping they get away with it.
Runtime: 91 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: PG
Languages Spoken In The Film: English
Should You Watch It? Yes
Did I Cry? Nope
My Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
Available: To rent on Prime Video or may be available for free on other streaming platforms
