The Field *** (1990, Richard Harris, John Hurt, Tom Berenger, Sean Bean, Frances Tomelty, Brenda Fricker) – Classic Movie Review 4959

Oscar-nominated, white-bearded Richard Harris is wonderfully moving as ‘Bull’ McCabe, a proud, stubborn old man willing to fight to the death over a parcel of land, in writer-director Jim Sheridan’s 1990 Irish Thirties-set period picture.

John Hurt as Bird O’Donnell, Tom Berenger, Sean Bean as Tadgh McCabe, Frances Tomelty and Brenda Fricker as Maggie McCabe all support the star nobly, despite clichéd roles. But the drama and big themes just aren’t there on screen. Still, John Hurt picked this out, along with Love and Death on Long Island, as his favourites of his own films. Certainly it is well worth while and truly valuable for the actors and the acting.

Sheridan’s screenplay is based on John B Keane’s play.

Also in the cast are John Cowley, Sean McGinley, and Jenny Conroy.

In loving memory of John Hurt (1940 – 22 January 2017). You really would think he would have included The Elephant Man, Alien, The Naked Civil Servant and Midnight Express among his favourites, wouldn’t you?

© Derek Winnert 2017 Classic Movie Review 4959

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