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Love Yourself Today

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Love Yourself Today

2021

1h 20m

Documentary

Music

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100%

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6 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

The film centers around the music of Irish singer songwriter Damien Dempsey but also turns the lens onto his fans. Every Christmas in Dublin, the crowds gather for Damo's Christmas gig at Vicar Street. For many, these shows have become a cathartic ritual, a safe space where emotions can be laid bare. Through the prism of the concert, we meet Dempsey and three members of the audience. We hear their stories, unravel their grief and find the light in the darkness through communal art. With themes of addiction, loss but also hope and positivity, Dempsey's music often reflects his fans' pain, alleviates their anguish and ultimately provides peace as they 'sing all their cares away'. Part documentary, part concert film, Love Yourself Today is an emotive celebration of modern spirituality and the power of music to heal.

Phil Hoad

Guardian

Dempsey's story makes a fine case for music as personal balm, but juxtaposing it with three of his fans' personal histories deepens the scope of his art into a true act of public communion and shared healing.

Rated: 3/5

Oct 25, 2021

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Aine O'Connor

Sunday Independent (Ireland)

With plenty of concert footage, the film is a must for Dempsey fans. In fact, even if you've never heard one of his songs, the generous sharing of hard-earned wisdom makes for an uplifting watch.

Rated: 4/5

Nov 11, 2021

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Gemma Creagh

Film Ireland Magazine

This is a warm, uplifting film and a love letter to Ireland's troubled and wonderfully complex capital.

Nov 6, 2021

Full Review

Alan Corr

RTÉ (Ireland)

Part concert film, part biography and all heart.

Rated: 3/5

Nov 4, 2021

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Paul Whitington

Irish Independent

Love Yourself Today is a film about pain, but also about healing, and redemption.

Rated: 4/5

Nov 4, 2021

Full Review

Allan Hunter

Screen International

Deserted football fields, abandoned construction sites, the gnarly roots of spreading trees all add a lyricism and sense of melancholy to the stories of second chances and new beginnings.

Jul 24, 2021

Full Review

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Ross Killeen

Director

Damien Dempsey

Self

Ross Killeen

Writer

Ross McDonnell

Writer

Louise Byrne

Producer

Ross Killeen

Producer

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Synopsis

The film centers around the music of Irish singer songwriter Damien Dempsey but also turns the lens onto his fans. Every Christmas in Dublin, the crowds gather for Damo's Christmas gig at Vicar Street. For many, these shows have become a cathartic ritual, a safe space where emotions can be laid bare. Through the prism of the concert, we meet Dempsey and three members of the audience. We hear their stories, unravel their grief and find the light in the darkness through communal art. With themes of addiction, loss but also hope and positivity, Dempsey's music often reflects his fans' pain, alleviates their anguish and ultimately provides peace as they 'sing all their cares away'. Part documentary, part concert film, Love Yourself Today is an emotive celebration of modern spirituality and the power of music to heal.

Director: Ross Killeen
Producer: Louise Byrne, Ross Killeen
Screenwriter: Ross Killeen, Ross McDonnell
Production Co: Motherland
Genre: Documentary, Music
Original Language: English
Runtime: 1h 20m

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