“Yankee Doodle Dandy”
This classic tells the tale of George M. Cohan, “The Man Who Owns Broadway.” Listed as one of the AFI’s top 100 movies the Irish American star James Cagney fittingly plays the role of Cohan, a first generation Irish American and a self-made man.
“In America”
This Jim Sheridan movie is based on the true story of an Irish family struggling with their own ghosts as they emigrate to New York City.
“The Molly Maguires”
A group of Irish immigrants take it upon themselves to fight against the injustices they face every day at work in a Pennsylvania coal mine.
“The Sullivans”
Again based on a true story, sometimes known as “The Fighting Sullivans”, this movie tells the tale of five Irish American brothers who join the Navy during World War II. All five are assigned to the USS Juneau, which was attacked in the Pacific. This sad movie shows the love and loyalty between their family.
“State of Grace”
This drama follows an undercover cop assigned to infiltrate the Irish mob in his old home neighborhood.
“Ladder 49”
Historically Irish immigrants were forced in to public service jobs, such as cops and firefighters. However, now it’s a badge of honor.
This movie depicts the bond between firefighters, many of whom are Irish American.
“The Departed”
Starring Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon this Boston gangster movie won four Oscars in 2007. Although the move does glorifying the hold stereotypes of the Irish mob it is very entertaining, if a little violent.
“Gangs of New York”
This Martin Scorese flick attempts to show the squaller and prejudice the Irish suffered in in the mid-19th century in the Five Points district of Lower Manhattan. The cast includes Daniel Day Lewis, Leonard DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz.
“The Boondock Saints”
Long before “The Walking Dead” Norman Reedus was an action hero playing on of two Irish brothers, in Boston, who attempt to down down the mob.
“Far and Away”
This movie gets a lot of slack, from a clunky script to horrific accents, but it’s an Irish immigration story that is second only to “Gang of New York.” It shows the cruelty and injustices that faced Irish immigrants in the cold new world and their struggle for a better life.
Source: TopTenREVIEWS.
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