They have red hair and they like a drink !

shell-26

Although I must say at the outset that I enjoyed The Van and would watch it again, it is strangely uninspiring when compared to other films in its genre.  Indeed, this genre of all-too-real, Irish grit and spit, may, in The Van be seeing a backlash or a counterpunch.  The cliche of happy but poor Oirish Paddies (with red hair and they'll take a pint of Guinness) is not so much indulged in this time but is rather exposed and exploited.  Larry and his friends find themselves with a grimy filthy chip van and a chance for grimy filthy happiness in a grimy filthy world.

How a shiny happy person would stomach this film I don't know. It is by turns delightful and soul-eroding. Unlike the Commitments there are no real moments of glory (Packy Bonner saving that penalty being the exception). Like the Commitments, we are left with a brave sense of optimism rather than a happy ending.

I'd like an Irish perspective on this film.  It won't change the world.  It won't change the way we view Ireland.  The Irish are still portrayed as "the blacks of Europe".  It may stop me from buying fish and chips from a van though.

score /10

shell-26 24 April 1999

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw0398843/