User Reviews

Truly touching and heart warmingly funny is Hugh Leonard's adaptation of his play "Da" and novel "Home Before Night". Simple story of one man's effort to finally communicate with his recently deceased father (who keeps popping into his head) hits all the right notes thanks to Matt Clark's skillful, subtle direction and two marvellous turns from the lead actors.

Martin Sheen gives one of his best ever performances as the frustrated son of a maddeningly placid gardener who just wants to be able to get through to his stubborn, down trodden father. And veteran Barnard Hughes is a pure delight as "Da", the feeble willed old man who doesn't ever seem to get mad at anything or anyone.

Clark develops and outlines this touching, tragic and at times all too shallow relationship beautifully, as both Sheen and Hughes bring their characters to life with passion and purpose. There is strong support from Doreen Hepburn, as Charlie's long suffering, determined mother, Karl Hayden as young Charlie and William Hickey as Charlie's irascible former employer.

Nancy Nutaal Beyda's editing is near perfection in its judgement while director of photography Alar Kivilo lenses with deft skill, capturing many times the beauty of Ireland. Frank Conway's production design is easy on the eye, and Elmer Bernstein's music is equally appealing to the aural senses, being both soothing and melodic.

Monday, November 6, 195 - Video

Watched this little gem of a film last night for the first time in years. A magical tale of love, regret, anxiety, guilt...everything an Irish move should have and then so much more.

Martin Sheen is and has always been a favourite of mine. His performance in Da is undoubtedly among his best ever work. But when I listen to him narrate this story it automatically becomes even more enchanting. His voice makes the audience feel as though they're sitting in the little kitchen with the family.

This film manages to find a perfect balance of laughter and sadness, happy tears and sad tears. One minute you'll feel totally empathetic to Charlie (Sheen) as he reminisces on times gone by and the next minute you'll be howling with laughter as Charlie is being scolded and embarrassed by 'Da'.

Finally, Bernard Hughes is an absolute gem. I'd forgotten what a fantastic performance he gives in this film. In a brilliant character twist it is Da who plays the joker, he's the child of the family while young Charlie is constantly dreaming of bettering himself thus proving to be a broody and almost unlikeable character. In effect it's almost as if Da and Charlie have swapped roles in the family.

As a result of watching this little gem it has jumped right up there with some of my favourite films. A classic and one I'll always keep hold of in my DVD collection!!

As a fan of "me own Da" and of the great, extraordinary actor Martin Sheen, I add my own comments about this film which ranks among my top five (none of which is number one -- they're all equal). The casting is the best ever for this thought-provoking, memorable story. Barnard Hughes' voice and mannerisms -- his grins and his tantrums and his pronunciation of "roses" -- are excellent. William Hickey, who plays Mr. Drumm, is so diabolical and selfish that separating the performer from the performance is difficult. What a miserable, outspoken, biased human being he is! Young Charlie and the mother play their roles well. I really like young Charlie's reaction to his older self -- in that restaurant. "What! Glasses, too?" or something like that. Imagine if you were able to see your body and soul thirty years hence! (Shudder) And pitiful Oliver -- Sheen's reaction to him when he puts on that sandwich board advertisement and when the "machine" nearly hits Oliver -- is great. A few weeks ago I went to a restaurant about three miles away. Nearby was a guy wearing one of those ads. Later that day the same fella was about three blocks from my home -- on a corner again and with the same sandwich board ad. What humiliation -- the same felt by Sheen (and appropriately not by the daffy Oliver). Now for one of the greatest actors ever -- Martin Sheen plays this, one of his favorites, role so well that "Da" remains with me in many ways. His "not to worry" remarks, his conversations with his father, especially when Sheen reverts to his boyish voice while Hughes talks about Charlie's birth mom (that was a "makey-up") and when he discusses the rain ("The angels will be having a ---.") and when he hugs his da, realizing the confusion between past and present being experienced by this hard-working man, so enamoured by the "quality." **SPOILERS** The ending is so beautiful; the roses, the father's voice so loved now by Charlie and the comfortable gentleman now dwelling in the apartment and in the heart of Charlie make for a sweet ending felt by those who love their own wonderful characters for fathers. I really love this film -- I have three copies -- and I thank Sheen for making it. I'm glad Blackie did not drown. We saw this as a play -- quite good -- but without Sheen and Hughes -- lacking. The film is excellent. The mother's poignant scene about her special day and the discovery that the father was not spending the money and the ensuing verbal backlash and Sheen's weeping in and with the rain are outstanding. ("That's hot . . . " I love that scene!) Savor the beauty of this Irish family.