Cal

"Cal" is an absolute gem of a film that not only showcases the incredible talents of Helen Mirren and John Lynch but also weaves a captivating older woman-younger man dynamic into its gripping romantic drama. Bernard MacLaverty's adaptation of his own novel delivers a five-star cinematic experience that leaves a lasting impression.John Lynch's portrayal of Cal, an out-of-work Northern Irishman caught in the web of the IRA's activities, is nothing short of mesmerizing. His internal struggle and complex emotions are portrayed with authenticity and depth, drawing you into his world from the very beginning.Helen Mirren shines as Marcella, the local librarian whose life has been shattered by the IRA's violence. Her performance is a masterclass in subtlety and nuance, making you feel every ounce of her character's pain, resilience, and the tentative hope she finds in the most unexpected of places. The older woman-younger man dynamic adds a layer of complexity to their relationship, making their connection even more poignant and charged with emotion.The film's narrative, set against the backdrop of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, is a poignant exploration of love, guilt, and redemption. The intertwined stories of Cal and Marcella, with their age-difference romance, are both heart-wrenching and heartwarming, offering a profound meditation on the enduring power of human connection amidst the chaos of conflict."Cal" is a powerful and emotionally charged film that delves into the complexities of its characters' lives and the enduring impact of political turmoil. It's a testament to the exceptional storytelling and exceptional performances, with the added layer of the older woman-younger man vibe, that leave you deeply moved. This is a five-star movie that lingers in your thoughts long after the credits roll. Don't miss it.

I have loved this movie since the first time I saw it in the late 1980s and was delighted to find it on DVD. The music alone is enough to keep me coming back to watch it again and again (I also bought the soundtrack), as its sorrowful poignancy illustrates so well the heartbreak of "troubled Northern Ireland" of that time. Largely undiscovered (at that time) Helen Mirren and John Lynch commit themselves to authentic if unorthodox roles as "star-crossed" lovers; I became a fan of both immediately upon watching this film and haven't stopped following them since. I got one of my first tastes for the Irish "situation" from this film and have gone on to become a student of its development. "Cal" is a great place for anyone who wants to understand the conflict to start. It will haunt you forever.

Great early work by Helen MIrren. Bittersweet.

I saw Cal when it came out in 1984 at the Harvard Square Theatre, back when it specialized in classic American films, what we call now independent films, and small foreign movies. That theatre in this form doesn't exist anymore, nor do films like this one. The demise of both is a shame. The fact that there is no DVD version of Cal speaks to how even today a film with the scope and subject of this particular one might seem less than economically viable to a distributor. Like the wonderful short novel it is based upon, and adapted no less by the novelist himself, Bernard MacLaverty, Cal is a bleak, dark film--depressing even. How could a film about the Troubles in Northen Ireland not be? Nonetheless, it is a beautifully filmed movie, its scope honed down to the bone so that through the story of Cal McCluskey, reluctanct IRA getaway driver, and his terrible guilt for his role in the assassination of a local Protestent cop, followed by his love for the dead man's widow, Marcella, we see the whole awfulness, madness, and tragedy of the Troubles. That's a lot for a film this small to accomplish, yet it does, all the while never overstepping its modest style and approach. What makes this film work is the artfully understated performances by all its cast, but in particular John Lynch as the inarticulate young man at the center of the story. Then there is Dame Helen Mirren in one of her early film roles. She's young here, younger than you remember her ever being, but she is still Helen Mirren, one of the great actors in contemporary film. And in the unflashy role of the young widow, she is, naturally, excellent. So is the haunting, Gaelic tinged score by Mark Knopfler, one of his best. Is this a great film? No. But it is a film that is uncompromising about what it wants to do: to show how war and bigotry affect the innocent. If you want that kind of movie, then this is worth spending 5 dollars on. Or much more.

This is a well-acted, sad story of a group of Irish people, during the "troubles" in Northern Ireland, and deals with assassination, guilt and trying to keep a crime secret. Helen Mirren was quite young then, and marvellous in her role as the widow of a Belfast policeman, It is interesting to see a very young John Lynch (the senior policeman, Jim Burns,in The Fall) playing without a beard and with long, flowing, hair.It was a pity not to find this film on DVD, but the VHS was fine, as I have retained my VCR just in case I wanted to replay my many video cassettes.

Not the original movie I saw many years ago. Many scenes have been deleted from the original movie.

Movie was amazing & the seller first class will be ordering more from this Gentleman. However on a product review the transfer from VHS to DVD was very poor . Picture & sound quality was awful.This of course is no fault of the seller I will continue to buy my discs from him.Great customer service, & delivery time was spot on.

Incorrect item sent. I thought I would receive a cd that played in American cd players, but actually received one that was for another region - not ours.

Devo essere onesto. Ho comprato questo DVD soltanto per trovarci dentro una fantastica colonna sonora, composta e suonata da Mark Knopfler

Delivered before the due date, well packaged and sealed, so thank you. The fim was made in the early 1980's and I had not seen it in about 30 years, so decided to purchase a copy of it when I spotted it on DVD at a very reasonable price. It was filmed in my home town of Drogheda, Ireland so a bit of a trip down memory lane spotting the locales. Good acting by a top array of Irish stage actors with the addition of the always reliable Helen Mirren. A worthy addition to my DVD collection.

Is not compatible with all players

I remember watching this on channel 4 it was one of their first film four season they launched truly great story line and well acted a very powerful movie

Good for it's time...a bit dated