Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Steven Robertson | ... |
Michael Connolly
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Alan King | ... |
Tommy
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Brenda Fricker | ... |
Eileen
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Ruth McCabe | ... |
Annie
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James McAvoy | ... | ||
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Anna Healy | ... |
Alice
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Tom Hickey | ... |
Con O'Shea
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Sarah Jane Drummey | ... |
Girl in Pub
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Rachel Hanna | ... |
Girl in Pub
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Emmet Kirwan | ... |
Angry Man
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Romola Garai | ... |
Siobhan
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Pat Shortt | ... |
Nightclub Doorman
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Stanley Townsend | ... |
Interview Panelist
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Derbhle Crotty | ... |
Interview Panelist
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Donal Toolan | ... |
Interview Panelist
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In Dublin, the crippled rebel Rory O'Shea moves to the Carrigmore Residential Home for the Disabled, affecting the lives of the residents. Rory is able to understand the unintelligible speech of Michael Connolly, who was left in the shelter by his prominent father many years ago due to his cerebral palsy, and they become close friends. Rory convinces Michael to move from Carrigmore to an apartment in Dublin, and they hire the gorgeous Siobhan to assist them. Living together with Rory, Michael faces a new world, finding friendship, love and freedom and learning to survive by his own. Written by Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
"Rory O'Shea Was Here (Inside I'm Dancing)" is a marvelous lead showcase for the talented James McAvoy who up to now has been a cocky secondary character in movies such as "Wimbledon" and memorable television such as "State of Play." But there his bad boy brashness is supported by a whirlwind of movement and sensuality whereas here all he can use in portraying a spark plug with Duchenne muscular dystrophy is his voice and expressions. His "Rory" takes hold of a condescending home for "special people" the way Jack Nicholson shook up the mental ward in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." He is a rebel with a cause -- freedom.
Steven Robertson as the pal he dynamites out of perhaps too simple complacency is achingly convincing as a young man with cerebral palsy who gradually learns he has a potential to fulfill, emotionally and intellectually.
The film is particularly good at creating very individual characters with specific family and class situations, as well as making good use of the Dublin environment.
While there are some clichés along the way, as well as a few overly convenient plot points, the film with humor, liveliness and poignancy (and a cool soundtrack) sticks our face in large issues about the helping bureaucracy, the need to individuate independent living opportunities, with particular attention to age differences, and our attitudes about the physically disabled.