Quick Info
Waking Ned Devine is a heartwarming Irish comedy set in a small, close-knit community called Tullymore. The plot is delightful in its simplicity: an elderly man named Ned Devine wins the lottery but promptly dies of shock. The townsfolk, discovering the win, decide to claim the million-pound prize themselves by pretending that Ned is still alive.
Ian Bannen and David Kelly wonderfully play the two old friends leading the lottery hijinks – their performances are humorous, believable, and above all, charming. The setting of rural Ireland lends an almost magical quality to the film, and the soundtrack of Celtic tunes contributes to this whimsy. Several moments of great tenderness between the quirky characters counterbalance the mischievous plot.
Not every element ties together neatly in the end, and some of nuances might require a second viewing. But it's a minor nitpick for what's overall an uplifting, joyous film that does comedy right. If you're in need of baseless laughs and a little bit of unpredictability, Waking Ned Devine is a gem you wouldn't want to miss.
