User reviews

and you lose some that's the nature of film or movies. I doubt Donnybrook will bring home an Oscar, but I doubt that was the intent of making this movie.

I think it pretty easy to slide over here and voice an opinion. I think it fairly easy to knock this movie. Movie, yes, because it wasn't shot on film. I don't think anyone claimed Donnybrook to be such a thing.

Most importantly it was a student film project. A vehicle that allowed students to work side-by-side industry professionals to learn. Regardless if Donnybrook were good or bad, it was hard work and a lot of work went into it.

Yeah, previous comments posted seem a little over the top toward a movie made by students. And I'm not sure they are warranted.

And as I ponder this.... you saw a rough cut? Seeing a rough cut possibly puts you in one of the post-production classes for Donnybrook. You're taking pot-shots at a movie YOU possibly paid money to work on.... Funny. I also noticed you pretty much just slammed the writing, the directing and the acting... So what's your thoughts on the editing? Both sound and visual. Your fellow students would appreciate your thoughts....

I enjoyed this film. As an adult and academic its a breath of fresh air to see a young filmmaker expose serious issues such as death, job loss, racial issues and loneliness. These are all topics Clevelanders experience frequently. I usually expect to see movies like Clerks, and Napoleon Dynamite from first time filmmakers. So this was a pleasure and hope for the future.

Hats off to Tri-C for all their achievements and for really making a statement. It is clear that this film may be a little too deep for some. My husband called it "A thinking man's film." I won't reveal much else about the film because it hasn't premiered yet. I will look for it again at the Cleveland Film Festival. Speaking of, I must say it is one of the best programmed festivals around. I've been to Sundance and Toronto and Cleveland holds its own. Go Cleveland! Go Tri-C!

L. Goldblum

PS - I just love the actor who played the main characters Aunt. She reminded me of my Bebbeh from Eastern Europe!

I could relate to this story because I am a minority. I know what it is like to feel like an outsider. That is another thing I like about this movie. The character "Davey" is multiracial. The lead actor really played his part well. I can tell you its not easy growing up not knowing where or with who to fit in especially if one half of you dies. I felt he was really grieving the loss of his mother in the story. He also plays music.I have never seen this combination in a movie before. I know what it is like to play rock music in a scene that is predominately white. No one talked about this in their posts. They just mentioned the story from a far off angle to make it look cliché. I can tell you its not cliché. This is coming from someone who really has been there.

My friend worked on Donnybrook and she had a great experience. She really proved herself because she moved from the classroom into the field, and is now continuing to work on her own successfully. Actions speak louder than words. She also met some really nice people that she keeps in contact with.

See this film if you can.It delivers hope by showing you can find your place. The movie also stirs up a lot of arguments without preaching. Dig...

Rob

I have to say that if someone was to tell that they had tickets to a student film I would probably not be excited. I have lived (and worked) around the world and am no stranger to student works of art, and sometimes they leave you wanting. 'Donnybrook' was a superior project in its conception, execution and delivery. The professional quality of work done by students and local talent (i.e. non-professional actors) in conjunction with a Cleveland-based crew is nothing short of brilliant.

I am very disappointed (but not surprised) by the derogatory and immature comments in this section. Lacking maturity and eloquence, comments such as these seem to be written by those that want to sabotage the hard work of their classmates, colleagues and image of the school. How do we know that this script is not auto-biographical? How crass it is to make any mention of the writer/ director's mother.

I would like to end on a positive note and reiterate my appreciation to everyone involved (yes, even the jealous critics) - Love to Donnybrook cast and crew!

I've been attending the Cleveland International Film Festival for the last 15 years and I am pleased to see another record year. This year also showed some great local films, the most local being "Donnybrook". From what I hear, both screenings sold-out and I can see why; its a gritty yet heart warming story. The audience will not lie, and I think the public reaction proved you a success. Congrats, especially the talented cast. They really moved me, especially the last scene. I will buy one of those "Defend Cleveland" shirts that I saw in the movie and wear it proud. I'm glad to see the Plain Dealer award the film with a "B". Proud to be Cleveland.