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The Commitments

Play trailer Poster for The Commitments R Released Aug 14, 1991 1h 57m Comedy Drama Music Play Trailer Watchlist
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90% Tomatometer 49 Reviews 90% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins), a self-proclaimed promoter, decides to organize an R&B group to fill the musical void in his hometown of Dublin, Ireland. The band 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. Based on the novel by Roddy Doyle.
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Critics Consensus

The Commitments is a vibrantly funny and blissfully heartfelt ode to the power of music.

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Critics Reviews

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Joe Clay The Times (UK) [A] rollicking rags-to-rags story. Dec 27, 2023 Full Review Patrick Z. McGavin Chicago Reader The Commitments is possibly Parker’s most personal film, his own working-class origins in the north London borough of Islington paralleling those of his characters. Rated: 3/4 May 24, 2022 Full Review Owen Gleiberman Entertainment Weekly Rated: C Sep 7, 2011 Full Review Rene Jordan El Nuevo Herald (Miami) The Commitments is very well realized but requires a specialized audience. [Full review in Spanish] Dec 12, 2022 Full Review Travis Johnson sbs.com.au At base The Commitments is about the common experiences and emotions that unite us. Oct 24, 2021 Full Review Leonard Pitts Jr. Miami Herald The locations have a certain grimy reality. The musical sequences are downright combustible, exploding off the screen. And the cast -- young and inexperienced as they are -- manage to convey poignant believability. Rated: 2.5/4 Aug 17, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Buck M Does a remarkable job of balancing a feel of lower-class life with the sheer exuberance the music brings. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 07/05/25 Full Review Bill A 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. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/24/25 Full Review isa e 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 Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 08/12/24 Full Review Dean B 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!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/01/24 Full Review Audience Member Brilliantly directed and cast with arguably the best sound track in the movies. A must see and heard! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/28/24 Full Review Jay H One of the most entertaining movies I've ever seen. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/03/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

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Alan Parker

Director

Robert Arkins

Jimmy Rabbitte

Johnny Murphy

Joey 'The Lips' Fagan, Trumpet

Angeline Ball

Imelda Quirke, Backup Singer

Michael Aherne

Steven Clifford, Piano

Maria Doyle Kennedy

Actor

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The Commitments

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Movie Info

Synopsis Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins), a self-proclaimed promoter, decides to organize an R&B group to fill the musical void in his hometown of Dublin, Ireland. The band 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. Based on the novel by Roddy Doyle.
Director
Alan Parker
Producer
Lynda Myles, Roger Randall-Cutler
Screenwriter
Ian La Frenais, Dick Clement, Roddy Doyle, Roddy Doyle
Distributor
MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc., 20th Century Fox
Production Co
Beacon Communications, Dirty Hands Productions
Rating
R
Genre
Comedy, Drama, Music
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 14, 1991, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 1, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA)
$13.9M
Runtime
1h 57m
Sound Mix
Surround
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