The film was made and released (2007) just before the Celtic Tiger died. It captures a person, time and place profoundly but unwittingly affected by outside forces. Beautifully shot and cast with a script and direction that is understated and cinematic, the film's apparent simplicity belies considerable depth in the sympathetic development of Josie's character. I have seen some good Irish films in recent years but none better than this.
Enjoyed it, excellent Irish cinema. But like all these films, I really could have done with some subtitles to
help understand the quite strong accents. Unfortunately my CinemaParadiso disc didn't have any.
Josie is rather mercilessly teased yet there is an element of tolerance by the rest of the villagers.
He's being unashamedly used by the slimy owner who really doesn't care that the rundown garage
is hardly making any money, yet with his radio, TV and bedsit at the back, Josie seems happy in his
own insular little way.
The Garda officer is eminently sensible dealing with the spiteful complaint by a parent after Josie
unwittingly shows a minor an explicit film.