Simon Kelly Movies
- 1989
Zandy (Dunja Djordjevic) is a college student who has to do a research paper on the old days of the fishing industry on the California coast. She seeks out Dominic (Bill Ackridge), an elderly Italian who still earns a meager living from his tiny boat, and goes out on the water with him. They see things very differently, but gradually become friends. Zandy finds the earthy Dominic attractive in a one-night stand sort of way, and Dominic entertains notions of romance for the young woman as well. However, what he would really like is a long-term relationship and a young woman to come home to. Eventually they sort out the complications, as the fisherman is a level-headed sort. This film originally swept through the festival circuit in 1989 as Maddalena Z, then received a theatrical release in 1991 under the title Voyage of the Heart. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bill Ackridge, Dunja Djordjevic, (more)
An alternative to the general run of "triumph over the odds" biopics, My Left Foot is the true story of Irish cerebral palsy victim Christy Brown. Paralyzed from birth, Brown (played by Hugh O'Conor as child and Daniel Day-Lewis as an adult) is written off as retarded and helpless. But Christy's indomitable mother (Brenda Fricker) never gives up on the boy. Using his left foot, the only part of his body not afflicted, Brown learns to write. He grows up to become a well-known author, painter, and fundraiser, and along the way falls in love with nurse Mary Carr (Ruth McCabe). There's no sugarcoating in My Left Foot: Brown, a heavy drinker, was by no means lovable. Day-Lewis and Fricker both won Academy Awards for their performances, and the film was nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Also notable are the late Ray McAnally in his next-to-last film role as Christy's father, and venerable Cyril Cusack as Lord Castlewelland. Director Jim Sheridan co-scripted with Shane Connaughton from Christy Brown's autobiography. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Daniel Day-Lewis, Ray McAnally, (more)
- 1987
- R
A humble Irish farmer decides that it is high time to move that big old stone in his field that has been there seemingly since the dawn of time. This gory horror film, an adaptation from one of noted British-author Clive Barker's short stories, follows what happens next. No sooner does he move the rock when out rushes an enormous, blood-thirsty pagan demon, Rawhead Rex, who immediately goes berserk and begins biting people left and right. Among the bitten is the son of an American professor of history and anthropology. His father immediately begins researching the angry old god and plotting his demise. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- David Dukes, Kelly Piper, (more)
