I loved this movie when it first came out in the early 90's. I didn't see it in theater, but rented it at Blockbuster Video. I watched again the other night, and even though it plays a little dated, the spirit of the film still holds it's own. The running internal interview of the band manager reminds me of my own career and how life and things get in the way of our own success, but even so, we go on about our business.

Soundtrack is amazing, the cast was fantastic, performances strong from top to bottom, the story is predictable, but its more about the characters than the story. Angeline Ball was stunning and born to wear red lipstick, was a great gritty look at Dublin. Unforgettable

My favorite musical of all-time!! Pure genius. The picture of Elvis lording above Pope John Paul II. Not to mention the great soul music!!

Brilliantly directed and cast with arguably the best sound track in the movies. A must see and heard!

One of the most entertaining movies I've ever seen.

Musical anhedonia is a neurological condition that affects 3 to 5% of the Earth's population. The people who suffer from this condition derive no pleasure from music of any kind. If you are one of the small percentage of people who suffer from this condition, then you should skip reading the rest of this review. On the other hand, if you are one of the majority of humans who can partake in the almost-universal experience of enjoying great music (along with terrific storytelling) then you should make it a goal to see The Commitments, an Irish film directed by Alan Parker, released in 1991. The Commitments is the tale of Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins), a young man without a job, who seeks to put together a soul music band and earn a living as the band's manager. The tale begins in North Dublin as Jimmy bargains and hustles to find musical instruments and musicians. He assembles a ragtag team of very diverse individuals and sells his belief in an Irish soul band. As he tells his (all-White) group, "The Irish are the Blacks of Europe. And Dubliners are the Blacks of Ireland. And North Dubliners are the Blacks of Dublin. So, say it once and say it loud, I'm black and I'm proud!" Once the group buys into Jimmy's concept, the band (The Commitments) is born. The band begins rehearsing and the viewer is treated to The Commitment's covers of hit soul songs by the likes of Otis Redding, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, and Wilson Picket. Though each member of the group wants to succeed, tensions bubble from the get-go because this isn't a band born of people who are out for the group, but rather, people who are out for themselves. Egos run high, outside pressures invade, romantic interludes flame on then smother out, and through it all, Jimmy works to keep the team intact while simultaneously getting them gigs. Being in the band provides each member of the Commitments a refuge from the pain and bleakness of their socially challenged existences. Music brings them happiness, but will it bring them success? Is their dream sustainable? Is it better to dream and fail, or not to have dreamed at all? How committed will Jimmy's musicians be to their success, and ultimately his? This was a real feel-good musical-filled escape. Most of the performers in the movie are true musicians and not trained actors. I didn't recognize Glen Hansard through all the hair! He was the central character in another music-themed Irish flick called Once (one of my all-time favorite films). Though The Commitments didn't fare well in U.S. theaters when it debuted, three decades later it is one of the most beloved Irish features ever made.

The music is good and there are some nice scenes in what was another derivative of that early 90s British cinematic trope of working class no hopers becoming performing acts. Apparently the Corrs were formed when they were heard auditioning for this film. This one made the BFI top 100 list. Bought it on DVD.

A biopic about a band that's not real? Okay then. It's a lot of slurring, shouting and thick Irish accents screaming over each other in a fun ensemble piece about a burgeoning band that really has the goods, but get into their own way too much. The music in this is killer.

This is truly a gem. Great story, great music acting is superb and so real, so much that I am thankful for the subtitles:) Pure enjoyment!!!

10/10 great Irish movie, lots of great actors

Based on the novel by Roddy Doyle Director Alan Parker directs a tale of committed musicians, talent, success, fame, and struggle In Dublin Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins), a self-proclaimed promoter, decides to organize an R&B group to fill the musical void in his hometown It all comes together but ends up consisting entirely of white musicians who have little experience with the genre Even though their raw talent and lofty aspirations gain the group notoriety, the pitfalls of fame began to tear at their newfound friendships as they prepare for their big show The group is made up of working class citizens so do they have what it takes to stay together? This movie is long but I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy the songs The music business isn't perfect and every member will end up feuding with one another but that's how it goes when the commitment to the dream reaches so high

Alan Parker's The Commitments deals with lower-class Dubliners and their ability to find meaning in their lives through music. Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins), unemployed for two years, loves American soul music and decides to throw together a band of the downtrodden, encouraging them with words of wisdom like "the northsiders are the blacks of Dublin, so say it loud: I'm black and I'm proud." The soundtrack is fantastic from beginning to end and the characters, of which there a many, are surprisingly well-developed. The film is hindered a bit by the mass acrimony and hysterics that develop late in the movie, but it is generally a gritty, tough, humorous, and surprisingly touching experience.

Frankly, I don't understand the passion some people have for The Commitments. The film consists almost entirely of one of three actions at a given moment: 1) Performing. 2) Arguing. 3) Hijinks. Character development is barely present, and while the performances are certainly entertaining and well-executed, the narrative is rather simple and the actual characters too one-note to carry the film. The film takes the straightforward 'aspiring band' premise and tries to infuse an Irish flavor with soul music to create a unique identity, but if you don't find yourself caught up in those identifying elements, you'll get bored rather quickly. Strong has great vocal capability and gives life to the 'diva lead singer' trope, but there is little else to make this film a perennial classic to me. (2.5/5)

It won't matter if you are a fan of soul music. You will be by the end of this brilliant production which has aged remarkably well after nearly 30 years. The story of a ragtag bunch of some of the most different people you would hope to find in Dublin - all drawn by a common love of music - never drops its standard from beginning to end. Andrew Strong's vocals nearly steal the musical side but the story behind him involving all of the cast is easily as engaging as we see what motivates them to "have absolutely nothing but risk losing it all". You will find yourself cheering them on the journey and willing them to the expected conclusion but don't drop your guard for long otherwise you may miss another twist in the road. Stellar performances from all involved but the soundtrack is what will stick with you for days afterwards and may lead you to seek out the originals. One that you will not regret.

Absolutely nothing worked for me in this film.

Superbly funny and a fantastic adaptation from the book penned by real life genius that is Roddy Doyle!!

It's not a film trying to portray real working class Ireland. It IS real working class Ireland. And with an awesome score to boot.

LOVE LOVE LOVE this! Amazing soundtrack and Andrew Strong has a voice I could listen to forever! Never get bored of this!

Loved it! It was a good movie about a struggling white soul band in Ireland.

This film lacks proper drama, it seems like things continue get out of hand between the characters and the storyline but it literally falls apart by the end.