Okay, fellow travellers in time and tape, let's rewind to 1991. Forget the grunge that was starting to bubble up, forget the slick action heroes. Instead, picture this: the gritty, working-class streets of North Dublin, seemingly miles away from the sun-drenched soul capitals of Memphis or Detroit. Now, imagine the sheer, glorious nerve of trying to ignite a soul music revolution right there. That’s the brilliantly improbable heart pumping inside Alan Parker’s magnificent The Commitments, a film that arrived like a joyous, defiant blast of brass and raw vocals.
Based on the first book of Roddy Doyle’s sharp and funny Barrytown Trilogy (adapted by Doyle himself alongside veterans Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais), the premise is deceptively simple. Young, unemployed Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins) possesses an almost religious zeal for American soul music and decides Dublin desperately needs its own authentic soul band. He’s the fast-talking, endlessly optimistic (or perhaps just naive) manager who sets out to assemble a group of local misfits, chancers, and diamond-in-the-rough talents. What follows is less a smooth rise to fame and more a hilarious, chaotic, and ultimately poignant scramble fuelled by raw passion and clashing egos.
### Assembling the Saviours of Soul
The casting process for this film is legendary and absolutely key to its magic. Alan Parker, already renowned for musically driven films like Fame and Pink Floyd – The Wall, made the inspired decision to largely bypass established actors. Instead, he held massive open auditions across Dublin, looking for raw musical talent and authentic attitude. Thousands turned up, and the result is a cast that feels startlingly real. Robert Arkins, as Jimmy, perfectly embodies the driven organiser, his exasperation often warring with his genuine belief in the music. He’s the glue, however fragile, holding the volatile mix together.
And what a mix it is! The discovery of Andrew Strong as the band's powerhouse lead singer, Deco Cuffe, was pure lightning in a bottle. Just sixteen years old at the time, Strong possessed a voice that seemed impossibly huge and weathered, channelling the spirit of soul legends with astonishing force. His on-screen arrogance and stage presence are magnetic, even as you understand why he drives everyone else mad. Then there are the backing singers – The Commitmentettes – Angeline Ball (Imelda Quirke), Maria Doyle Kennedy (Natalie Murphy), and Bronagh Gallagher (Bernie McGloughlin), each bringing distinct personality and vocal chops. And who could forget Joey "The Lips" Fagan (Johnny Murphy), the veteran trumpeter whose wild claims of playing with soul royalty add a layer of mythic absurdity? Providing a touchstone of familiarity amidst the newcomers was Colm Meaney as Jimmy Rabbitte Sr., offering world-weary skepticism laced with grudging paternal pride – a role Doyle reportedly wrote with Meaney in mind after seeing him in The Snapper (another Barrytown adaptation).
### Grit, Sweat, and Mustang Sally
What truly elevates The Commitments beyond a standard band-origin story is its palpable sense of place and Parker’s commitment to musical authenticity. Filmed on location in the less glamorous corners of Dublin, the city itself becomes a character – grey, damp, but brimming with life and sharp wit. Parker captures the textures of working-class life without condescension, showing both the limitations and the defiant spirit of the community. This isn't a Hollywood fantasy; it's grounded in a reality that makes the soaring aspirations of the music feel even more potent.
And the music... oh, the music! Parker insisted the cast perform the songs themselves, often recording live during filming. This wasn't lip-syncing to polished studio tracks; it was raw, energetic, sometimes ragged, but always passionate. Hearing this largely unknown cast tear into classics like "Mustang Sally," "Try a Little Tenderness," and "In the Midnight Hour" is electrifying. The soundtrack album, born from these sessions, became a global phenomenon, rocketing to No. 1 in numerous countries and introducing a new generation to the power of soul. It wasn't just a movie soundtrack; it felt like rediscovering lost treasure. Apparently, getting the rights to some of those iconic soul tracks was a significant hurdle, but Parker's passion project eventually won the publishers over.
### More Than Just Music
While the performances and soundtrack are undeniable highlights, The Commitments works so well because it’s also incredibly funny and surprisingly touching. The dialogue, lifted heavily from Doyle’s pitch-perfect ear for Dublin vernacular, crackles with sarcastic humour and genuine warmth. The band's squabbles, fueled by ego, jealousy, and sheer unprofessionalism, are often laugh-out-loud funny. Remember Deco stuffing his face mid-song or the auditions sequence? Pure gold.
Yet, beneath the laughs, there’s a real heart. It’s about the dreams of ordinary people, the unifying power of music, and the bittersweet reality that sometimes, the journey is more important (and more memorable) than the destination. The film doesn't shy away from the friction or the eventual implosion – it embraces the messy, glorious chaos of it all. This authenticity resonated deeply, earning critical acclaim, including BAFTA Awards for Best Film, Director, Adapted Screenplay, and Editing, plus an Oscar nomination for Best Film Editing. While its US box office ($14.9 million against a reported $12-15 million budget) was modest, its cultural impact, particularly in Ireland and the UK, was immense and enduring.
### The Verdict
The Commitments is one of those films that just makes you feel good. It’s bursting with energy, wit, and incredible music performed with infectious passion. The largely unknown cast delivers performances crackling with authenticity, anchored by Parker’s grounded direction and Doyle’s brilliant source material. It captures a specific time and place with affection and humour, reminding us of the sheer joy and transformative power found in chasing a seemingly impossible dream, even if it's just for one glorious, chaotic moment. Watching it again takes me right back to that feeling of discovering something truly special on the shelves of the video store – a film with grit, soul, and a whole lot of heart.
Rating: 9/10
This rating reflects the film's exceptional energy, phenomenal soundtrack performed brilliantly by the cast, authentic sense of place, sharp writing, and perfect casting. It masterfully blends humour and heart, overcoming its relatively simple plot structure with sheer force of personality and musical power. It loses perhaps a single point for the narrative predictability inherent in band stories, but its execution is near flawless.