The best part of the movie is the story and acting., and that's all that's good. They skipped getting a script writer, because the scenes are piecemeal. There isn't a singular view. I would've expected a movie about a very successful pilot to have focused on him mostly, though the story focuses on everything. The sound design had the sounds, though the sounds didn't usually match up to the screen. The lighting was washing out the scene in a lot of frames. The fight scenes did a good show of a "furball" but it's hard to track who is doing what. And the special effects are OK, though it's easy to tell. The biggest issue is the director and producer not having a point to focus on. Great idea for a story, mediocre execution, and not worth renting, wait until it's free and you're in a couch hole.
9 Reviews
An incredible story that deserves a better film...
howardjf-9534118 March 2024
As someone who has a keen interest in the war in the air during WW2, (my late father flew Lancasters), I need no second invitation to watch a film on the subject.
In spite of my interest, I had never heard of Brendan "Paddy" Finucane or his remarkable story, a young half Irish lad with a longheld ambition to fly, decides to get involved in a war that he could easily have avoided. He defied his father, prejudice and instead relied on his unwavering belief and fighting spirit to become the youngest ever Wing Commander in the RAF aged just 21 and not surprisingly was highly decorated for his achievements.
It is clear that The Shamrock Spitfire is on a budget and whilst Shane O'Regan does a decent enough job in the lead role, the air action sequences are akin to a computer game plus inaccuracies are regular. Battle of. Britain sequences featuring Mk IX Spits - nah! All too often, senior RAF officers looked wistfully skyward as a flight of aircraft passed over them, it's as though the film makers couldn't concoct anything more and this was a shame.
So why 6/10? The story, pure an simple - it really is compelling. I just wish I could have given a score of 9 because the film matched it.
In spite of my interest, I had never heard of Brendan "Paddy" Finucane or his remarkable story, a young half Irish lad with a longheld ambition to fly, decides to get involved in a war that he could easily have avoided. He defied his father, prejudice and instead relied on his unwavering belief and fighting spirit to become the youngest ever Wing Commander in the RAF aged just 21 and not surprisingly was highly decorated for his achievements.
It is clear that The Shamrock Spitfire is on a budget and whilst Shane O'Regan does a decent enough job in the lead role, the air action sequences are akin to a computer game plus inaccuracies are regular. Battle of. Britain sequences featuring Mk IX Spits - nah! All too often, senior RAF officers looked wistfully skyward as a flight of aircraft passed over them, it's as though the film makers couldn't concoct anything more and this was a shame.
So why 6/10? The story, pure an simple - it really is compelling. I just wish I could have given a score of 9 because the film matched it.
Weak Film
jdavidanderson-836917 April 2024
I have just watched The Shamrock Spitfire on DVD. This is clearly a film made on a budget. The story of the youngest Wing Commander in the history of the RAF is a story that must be told, however it deserves a much better film than this
Some of the flying scenes are good,but some are akin to something out of a computer game. Most of the acting is extremely poor indeed. Sophia Eleni's performance as a nurse is truly terrible.
Music score for the film is good and great credit must go to singer Tina Law and The Gary Allcock Trio,who can be heard at the engagement party scene and at various points throughout the film.
The film is watchable,but spoilt by poor acting performances throughout.
Music score for the film is good and great credit must go to singer Tina Law and The Gary Allcock Trio,who can be heard at the engagement party scene and at various points throughout the film.
The film is watchable,but spoilt by poor acting performances throughout.
Weak on all fronts
brenkcoote3 April 2024
Just finished watching the excellent "Masters of the Air" with constant prompts to watch the Shamrock Spitfire. So I paid my money, poured a Coke Zero and settled back onto my recliner for what I thought would be some excellent entertainment. Seriously struggled through the first 40 minutes and had to turn it off. Terrible acting, terrible script , terrible props and terribly constructed story line. Some of the aerial fight scenes were very good but not enough to keep my interest.
Perhaps I was spoilt because I watched it in the wake of "Masters of the Air". Perhaps if I had reversed the order I might have been entertained. But I wasn't!
Don't waste your money or time!
Perhaps I was spoilt because I watched it in the wake of "Masters of the Air". Perhaps if I had reversed the order I might have been entertained. But I wasn't!
Don't waste your money or time!
A stirring, visually stunning tribute to a forgotten hero
MrFlix9119 March 2024
Wing Commander Brendan "Paddy" Finucane was one of the distinguished fighter aces of WW2, yet today he's been all but forgotten, but for the most avid aviation fanatic.
As this visually stunning and very moving film shows, he was a remarkable young man (the youngest Wing Commander ever to serve in the RAF). Under the adept direction of Dominic and Ian Higgins, the cast delivers commendable performances breathing life into Finucane's story.
The battle sequences are nothing short of breathtaking, capturing the chaos, intensity, and adrenaline of wartime. I found myself physically drained just from watching them-it was as if I were right there in the thick of the action. The music score is another standout, adding a layer of emotional power without overpowering the scenes.
I have read that the filmmakers wanted to hark back to an earlier time of filmmaking, and I would say they have achieved that, it felt like a movie from the "golden age" of cinema, a classic war time weepy - yes, you'll need a hanky or too when you watch it!
A great film about a great man.
As this visually stunning and very moving film shows, he was a remarkable young man (the youngest Wing Commander ever to serve in the RAF). Under the adept direction of Dominic and Ian Higgins, the cast delivers commendable performances breathing life into Finucane's story.
The battle sequences are nothing short of breathtaking, capturing the chaos, intensity, and adrenaline of wartime. I found myself physically drained just from watching them-it was as if I were right there in the thick of the action. The music score is another standout, adding a layer of emotional power without overpowering the scenes.
I have read that the filmmakers wanted to hark back to an earlier time of filmmaking, and I would say they have achieved that, it felt like a movie from the "golden age" of cinema, a classic war time weepy - yes, you'll need a hanky or too when you watch it!
A great film about a great man.
A whole lot of heart
djay-2351618 March 2024
The Shamrock Spitfire is a highly commendable film. It tells the story of Flying Ace Wg Cdr Brendan Finucane the youngest Wing Commander in the history of the RAF.
First off, no this isn't a big Hollywood studio pic, it's a modest indie film from the UK. But what the filmmakers have achieved is stunning. Visually the film bursts with colour - how sick are you that sickly green/ yellow colour palette every other modern movie has today? And it has a story that holds you. A beautiful and fitting tribute to a courageous young man.
Hollywood, please take note.
The Shamrock Spitfire, a film that has a whole lot of of heart and passion - just like the man himself.
First off, no this isn't a big Hollywood studio pic, it's a modest indie film from the UK. But what the filmmakers have achieved is stunning. Visually the film bursts with colour - how sick are you that sickly green/ yellow colour palette every other modern movie has today? And it has a story that holds you. A beautiful and fitting tribute to a courageous young man.
Hollywood, please take note.
The Shamrock Spitfire, a film that has a whole lot of of heart and passion - just like the man himself.
really liked it
vanlorryjf14 May 2024
Sure it's low budget, unknown actors, tries to get lots of context into the story, relies on cheap but effective visuals and is'nt up its own backside.
Simple, straightforward, not making points about stuff that's got nothing to do with anything.
Reminds me of a 1950's movie where you watch and munch the popcorn and have an enjoyable tale told well that keeps up the pace and interest till the end of the show. The acting was good, just playing their parts.
I got really bored with planet of the apes,dune and other mega long, shiny, squillion dollar movies as they repeat the same story and the semi ok stars dominate...I want movies like this.... Honest film making!
Simple, straightforward, not making points about stuff that's got nothing to do with anything.
Reminds me of a 1950's movie where you watch and munch the popcorn and have an enjoyable tale told well that keeps up the pace and interest till the end of the show. The acting was good, just playing their parts.
I got really bored with planet of the apes,dune and other mega long, shiny, squillion dollar movies as they repeat the same story and the semi ok stars dominate...I want movies like this.... Honest film making!
The Shamrock Spitfire Soars High: A Must-Watch War Drama
Chris-G6020 May 2024
The Shamrock Spitfire" is a standout war drama that deserves top marks. Directors Dominic and Ian Higgins deliver a gripping and historically accurate portrayal of Brendan "Paddy" Finucane, the youngest Wing Commander in RAF history. Shane O'Regan shines in the lead role, capturing both the heroism and humanity of Finucane.
The film's direction and cinematography are superb, especially the breathtaking aerial combat scenes that feel intensely real. The production's attention to detail in period settings really immerses the viewer in the 1940s wartime atmosphere.
With its compelling narrative, strong performances, and high production quality, "The Shamrock Spitfire" is not just entertaining but also deeply inspirational. It's a must-watch for history buffs and general audiences alike.
The film's direction and cinematography are superb, especially the breathtaking aerial combat scenes that feel intensely real. The production's attention to detail in period settings really immerses the viewer in the 1940s wartime atmosphere.
With its compelling narrative, strong performances, and high production quality, "The Shamrock Spitfire" is not just entertaining but also deeply inspirational. It's a must-watch for history buffs and general audiences alike.
People are people
purevision-8351315 May 2024
I'd say im not sure why people are being so hard on this movie but i know why, its because our modern cgi society has expectations of megalithic eye candy melodrama & really doesnt have the heart to approach a subject like WW2 without it being a spectacle instead of autobiography. I pulled back tears many times & perhaps its because i associated with the individual & the family the movie primarily revolves around but i found it to be a sentimental experience that more than paid reverence for the subject matter. Granted it had an England-centric narrative that was a bit heavy handed & at times a bit hard to swallow as authentic, but what country isnt patriotic about its own history. In no way was i let down in being transported into the history of this war & felt a sense of mourning for the men who were lost fighting back the devil.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
