IN A NUTSHELL...

The Story: Gillian Anderson and Robert Carlyle star in this Belfast-set drama, about 14-year-old boy Donal (newcomer Tyrone McKenna) and his passion for greyhounds (maybe we could have phrased that better). Ken Stott plays kennel owner Good Joe, who promises Donal ownership of a dog if it wins three consecutive races; Anderson plays the loving mother whose life is complicated by the return of O (Carlyle), a one-time IRA man who's looking for a fresh start. The movie is directed by Pearse Elliott who previously wrote the well-received Ireland-only release Man About Dog.
UK Box Office: £0.035 million (as at 6th September 2005)
Useless Fact: Director Elliott has an unusual take on Northern Ireland's troubled past: "I grew up in the midst of the Troubles and to be honest with you I'm kind of lucky because it's given me such amazing experience in life."

VIDEO...

WATCH: Director Pearse Elliott talks about shooting dogs, working with newcomer Tyrone McKenna, and casting Gillian Anderson and Robert Carlyle

WATCH: Pearse chats about the importance of making The Mighty Celt in West Belfast and the film's post-conflict relevance

WATCH: The Mighty Celt trailer

THE REVIEWS...

"Tyrone McKenna may share the screen with the likes of Robert Carlyle, Ken Stott and Gillian Anderson, but he blows them all away" (4/5)

"The unlikely romance that develops between Dana Scully and Hamish Macbeth reaps rich dividends" (3/5)

"The film is very touching and during the racing scenes, I couldn't help but exclaim "Go Mighty Celt! Go!"" (5/7)

"Aside from Elliott's sprightly direction and unsentimental script, The Mighty Celt's chief pleasure is the quality of the performances"

"Pearse Elliott's closeness to the material is clear through well studied and developed characters and a general fondness for the Belfast setting"

"Terrific performances lend it a voice of its own... its level-headed approach to a complex situation deserves praise. Worth a look"

"This gentle story of a boy and his dog has enough grit and energy to be both entertaining and insightful" (3/5)

"All credit to the exotic cast for trampling the issues that famous locals fear to tread... Anderson is faultless, Carlyle terrific as the wise lag" (3/5)

"There is something doggedly heartfelt about the movie's commitment to unextraordinary lives" (registration required)

"Strong performances all round, and writer-director Pearce Elliott does a craftsmanlike job" (2/5)

"Newcomer McKenna does a good job as the misfit who befriends a tawny greyhound... you doff your hat to Ken Stott's glowering misanthrope" (2/5)

"An unexceptional yarn with pretty scenery but little to quicken the breath in terms of plot, character or dialogue"

"Tyrone McKenna shows promise as idealistic youngster Donal, and there are plenty of Full Monty moments, too" (2/5)

"Gillian Anderson's performance is confident enough to convey one of the film's better-written roles" (2/5)

"Pearse Elliott's directorial debut is impressive, and it'll warm the cockles of the toughest of hearts, but it's ultimately far too black and white" (3/5)

WEB WATCH...

The Mighty Celt
Official site

"I just don't like the whole Hollywood thing"
Robert Carlyle interview

"Everyone's got the propensity for change"
Robert Carlyle interview

"I've been offered a lot of stuff to do with Northern Ireland"
Robert Carlyle interview

The X Files Hex
Gillian Anderson interview