Memorable, crazy movie

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

I has to confess that l didn't like when the cinema glorofying bad persons of our history,it's certanly make them actually a kind of hero for many young generation ,but as form of study of personality is helpful,this infamous thief and his gang was magnificently portraited by the great Boorman as always in old days style and more made a true gem of the real picture mean to be,but great crooks don't has a long life and them left us for good....so fast they are replaced!!!Resume:First watch: 1999 / How many: 2 / Source: Cable TV-DVD / Rating: 8.25

A craven, cowardly film. Director Boorman shows Cahill burglarizing rich houses, but the male occupant is shown being unfaithful with the nanny, thats all right then. The forensic scientist investigating Cahill is blown up in his car, but he is rat faced sourpuss, and doesn't look like a nice man, so thats all right too. The Beits, owner of Russborrough House, made their money by exploiting 'darkies' digging up diamonds, so it's okay to rob priceless art from them and hide it in a bunker in the Wicklow mountains. The Garda kill his ferrets and are implicated in his murder. The moral equivalencing is sickening, Boorman looks for a hit film, but doesn't have the guts to stand against the criminality of the generals gang, who terrorized the neighbourhood, and unleashed another wave of scumbags upon Dublin. He even liaised with the Generals son while making it. Disgusting. Shame on him for his cowardice.

In the first few minutes of "The General", it may throw you off and make you think that you already know the ending. But it turns out that John Boorman has a fine plot in store. The film shows how Martin Cahill (Brendan Gleeson) not only had to deal with the English occupation, but with the police in his native Ireland. And clearly, when you see his background, it's clear that he wasn't going to be a "model citizen". Cahill, like any other person, was a product of the society that created him. And it led to a very good biopic.I certainly recommend this movie. You have to be patient with it, just to let the characters develop, but it's certainly an enjoyable film. Also starring Jon Voight.

The General is one of the best films dealing with true life that I have seen. John Boorman has done us all proud both as director and in the Writing credits. As Martin Cahill Brendan Gleeson who bears an uncanny resemblance to the real Cahill is superb bringing with him the humor as well as the hardcore attitude of the Dublin underworld. Well deserved the B.F.C. awards for best director and best actor. This is one for your library as you will want to watch it again and again.