St. Patrick: The Irish Legend (2000)

St. Patrick: The Irish Legend Poster

A young Christian boy attends a druid worship that is attacked by invading Irish tribes. Taken captive, he is taken back to Ireland to become a slave. Enduring many hardships, he finds comfort and eventually salvation in his faith. After several years, he escapes back to England, where he joins a convent to prove his faith. His greatest desire is to return to Ireland to convert the Irish to Christianity. Years later, he is given the opportunity. Upon setting foot on the Irish soil, all snakes are aitomatically driven from the land. He then overcomes many obstacles, including disagreements with the British Cardinal (Malcolm McDowell), to fulfill his destiny and ultimately being given Sainthood.

Introduction and Overview
"St. Patrick: The Irish Legend" is a 2000 biographical drama tv film directed by Robert Hughes and written by Martin Duffy and Robert Hughes. The movie, released for St. Patrick's Day, provides the tale of Ireland's tutelary saint, concentrating on his famous journey from slavery to sainthood. Starring Sean T. O' Meallaigh as the young Patrick and Malcolm McDowell as the older Patrick, the movie depicts the trials, adversities, visions, and miracles of the guy who became referred to as St. Patrick.

Storyline and Plot
Opening when Patrick is a teenager in Britain, the film reveals his capture by Irish marauders and his transition into slavery. Made taken to Ireland and required to work under extreme conditions as a shepherd, Patrick experiences a spiritual awakening throughout these years. He starts hearing voices and having dreams, which he analyzes as messages from God, indicating his destiny to transform the Irish people to Christianity.

In a daring escape, Patrick manages to go back to his homeland, where he ends up being a priest before having further visions that lead him back to Ireland. Here, his objective confronts numerous barriers-- from opposition by local Druid priests and tribal chieftains to betrayal by his own fans. However, using non-traditional approaches and his unshakeable faith, he makes the trust of the Irish individuals and successfully converts them to Christianity, establishing monasteries, schools, and churches along the method.

Performances and Presentation
The performances in the movie are good with Malcolm McDowell providing a strong representation of the older St. Patrick, catching his decision, faith, and determination under despairing scenarios. Sean T. O'Meallaigh likewise efficiently depicts a young man going through a transformative life journey.

The film uses an aesthetically engaging representation of 5th Century Ireland, complete with the extreme, rugged landscape of the times. It manages to preserve a balance in between historic representation and spiritual elements, focusing mostly on Patrick's inspiring journey rather than house on the amazing aspects related to his legends.

Crucial Reception
"St. Patrick: The Irish Legend" got combined evaluations upon its release. Some saw the movie as an engaging narrative about a man's faith and tenacity. Others critiqued it for not delving deeper into the cultural significance of St. Patrick's works or representing any genuine conflict. Nevertheless, overall, it has actually made a track record of being one of the couple of films about St. Patrick that presents a thorough look into his life, from his early years of challenge to his victorious battle to spread out Christianity in Ireland.

Conclusion
"St. Patrick: The Irish Legend" stands as an important cinematic depiction, highlighting the life and works of one of the world's most renowned religious figures, St. Patrick. It underscores his strength, faith, and the profound impact he had on changing the spiritual landscape in Ireland. The film may not explore the intricate information of the saint's life and works, but it makes substantial strides in providing an intense and motivating story of belief and deal with versus overwhelming odds.

Top Cast

  • Patrick Bergin (small)
    Patrick Bergin
    Patrick
  • Luke Griffin (small)
    Luke Griffin
    Young Patrick
  • Alan Bates (small)
    Alan Bates
    Calpornius
  • Susannah York (small)
    Susannah York
    Concessa
  • Malcolm McDowell (small)
    Malcolm McDowell
    Quentin
  • Eamonn Owens (small)
    Eamonn Owens
    Benignus
  • Chris McHallem (small)
    Chris McHallem
    Auxilius
  • Michael Caven
    Iserninus
  • Stephen Brennan (small)
    Stephen Brennan
    Briain
  • Adam Goodwin
    Brother Peter
  • Peter Byrne
    Ship Captain