I Went Down (1997)

I Went Down Poster

Fresh out of prison, Git rescues a former best friend (now living with Git's girlfriend) from a beating at the hands of loan sharks. He's now in trouble with the mob boss, Tom French, who sends Git to Cork with another debtor, Bunny Kelly, to find a guy named Frank Grogan, and take him to a man with a friendly face at a shack across a bog. It's a tougher assignment than it seems: Git's a novice, Bunny's prone to rash acts, Frank doesn't want to be found (and once he's found, he has no money), and maybe Tom's planning to murder Frank, which puts Git in a moral dilemma. Then, there's the long-ago disappearance of Sonny Mulligan. What's a decent and stand-up lad to do?

Summary
"I Went Down" is an Irish black funny criminal offense film launched in 1997. The film was directed by Paddy Breathnach and composed by Conor McPherson. The narrative spins around 2 adorable, however hopelessly inefficient criminals, Git Hynes (Peter McDonald) and Bunny Kelly (Brendan Gleeson), sent out on a mission by a Dublin gangster.

Plot Overview
The movie begins with Git Hynes being released from jail, looking for to go back to a serene life. Nevertheless, occasions quickly take a turn when he winds up rescuing his friend, Anto (David Wilmot), from being beaten up by Bunny Kelly, an experienced low-tier gangster. Regrettably, Anto owed money to Dublin gangster Tom French (Tony Doyle). To offset Anto's financial obligation, Git and Bunny are sent on a mission by Tom to discover Frank Grogan (Peter Caffrey), who owes him money.

Unlikely Duo and Their Journey
Bunny and Git's dynamic is a vital component of the movie. Git is quiet, thoughtful and reluctantly associated with the criminal world, while Bunny is an affable blowhard with tall stories about his previous criminal exploits. On their journey, they engage in humorous conversations, exposing more profound layers of their characters. The unlikely criminal buddies find themselves involved in incidents, misconceptions and harmful situations as they find Grogan.

The Climax
When they finally locate Grogan hiding out in the west of Ireland, they find out that he does not have the money. The plot twists again as they discover that French has his own factors for desiring Grogan found, creating a tense showdown between the gangsters.

Styles and Reception
"I Went Down" is a rejuvenating spin on the buddy-road-trip genre, boasting an unique mix of Irish humor, charming characters, and palpable tension. While the thread running through the movie is the underworld crime background, the movie focuses more on the establishing relationship between the odd-couple and their funny interactions. As Git and Bunny journey into Ireland's inmost corners, they discover their dreams and desires, some of which are remarkably comparable, in spite of their contrasting habits and appearances.

The movie weaves humour and pathos to paint an image of petty crooks and small-time gangsters striving for regard and honor. Regardless of operating in a brutal environment, they have their principles and, in their own distinct way, adhere to them.

"I Went Down" was popular and admired for its smart dialogue, sharp performances, and engaging action series. Brendan Gleeson and Peter McDonald were particularly praised for their amazing efficiencies, with their chemistry grounding the film's humor and beauty. The film effectively managed to catch the essence of Irish culture and mindset through the hilariously amusing dialogue and the varied Irish landscape. The Coen Brothers 'Fargo' has been noted for its similarities, especially the dark comedic sense and abrupt bursts of violence.

Top Cast

  • Brendan Gleeson (small)
    Brendan Gleeson
    Bunny Kelly
  • Peter McDonald (small)
    Peter McDonald
    Git Hynes
  • Tony Doyle (small)
    Tony Doyle
    Tom French
  • Peter Caffrey
    Frank Grogan
  • Antoine Byrne
    Sabrina Bradley
  • David Wilmot (small)
    David Wilmot
    Anto
  • Michael McElhatton (small)
    Michael McElhatton
    Johnner Doyle
  • Joe Gallagher
    Steo Gannon
  • Johnny  Murphy (small)
    Johnny Murphy
    Sonny Mulligan
  • Rachel Brady
    Git's Girlfriend
  • Anne Kent (small)
    Anne Kent
    Bunny's Girlfriend