Waking Ned Devine

PG

Released Sep 15, 1998

1 hr. 31 min.

Comedy

List

84%

61 Reviews

Tomatometer

88%

25,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

When best friends Jackie O'Shea (Ian Bannen) and Michael O'Sullivan (David Kelly) discover someone in their small Irish village has won the lottery, they immediately set off to see if the winner is in a sharing mood. Deducing that Ned Devine is the lucky man, O'Shea and O'Sullivan pay him a visit, only to find him dead from shock. Since Devine is the only one who can claim the prize, the townsfolk band together to convince the claim inspector that O'Sullivan is really Devine, and split the cash.

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Critics Consensus

A heartwarming comedy with a delightfully light touch, Waking Ned Devine finds feel-good humor in some unexpected -- and unexpectedly effective -- places.

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Matt S

This is a gem of a film. The thing is, you'll either get it or you won't - and that's fine - but it's clear to me that many of those who rate it average or below don't really understand it. The film is a love letter to the Irish and in particular the small Irish villages of yesteryear. The characters are spot on, the gentle Irish wit flows throughout and the film strikes a wonderful balance between humour and truthful observation. Perhaps the reason some don't rate it highly is because they don't know these people (or similar people in other cultures). There are some extremely funny moments but this is not a slapstick comedy - more a lightly comedic observational drama - it's about the characters, the wonderful Irish scenery (yes, it was filmed on the equally stunning Isle of Man) and the brotherly love of the two central characters - plus the camaraderie of the villagers. It's also about the passage of time. There are a few wonderfully moving scenes too. Well worth watching. If you don't get it that's fine. If you do, you'll love it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/13/24

Full Review

Dani G

I really was expecting this film to be much more delightful and heartwarming maybe... It's not bad, definitely, but I thinks it lacks of something. I think it could have more "angel"

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

12/29/23

Full Review

Sharon G

Such a good movie! Most people I know haven't heard of it, worth watching.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/12/23

Full Review

Jonathan L

Witty, heartfelt, and visually stunning. This souful, cinematic twist on Weekend at Bernie's is truly an amazing film that you've never heard of. The plot was a bit corny, and the cast did not particularly stand out, but the sountrack and the cinematography more than made up for it. 90/100

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

10/30/23

Full Review

Elsa v

bsolutely delightful!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/26/23

Full Review

Karla G

This is one of my go to movies for laughter, scenery, and feel good moments. I've seen this movie over a dozen times and before I'm dead, hopefully another dozen. Sláinte.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/07/23

Full Review

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Kirk Jones

Director

Ian Bannen

Jackie O'Shea

David Kelly

Michael O'Sullivan

Fionnula Flanagan

Annie O'Shea

Susan Lynch

Maggie O'Toole

James Nesbitt

Pig Finn

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Lisa Schwarzbaum

Entertainment Weekly

Rated: A-

Sep 7, 2011

Full Review

Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Some funny parts, but kids may not be interested.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 29, 2010

Full Review

Susan Stark

Detroit News

Rated: 3/4

Oct 18, 2008

Full Review

Leigh Paatsch

Herald Sun (Australia)

An unpretentious, utterly charming affair.

Rated: 3.5/5

Jun 2, 2020

Full Review

Rachel Wagner

Rachel's Reviews (YouTube)

A riot of a film that's also very sweet, focusing on community

Rated: 7/10

May 8, 2019

Full Review

Jack Garner

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

Rated: 9/10

Oct 18, 2008

Full Review

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Synopsis

When best friends Jackie O'Shea (Ian Bannen) and Michael O'Sullivan (David Kelly) discover someone in their small Irish village has won the lottery, they immediately set off to see if the winner is in a sharing mood. Deducing that Ned Devine is the lucky man, O'Shea and O'Sullivan pay him a visit, only to find him dead from shock. Since Devine is the only one who can claim the prize, the townsfolk band together to convince the claim inspector that O'Sullivan is really Devine, and split the cash.

Director: Kirk Jones
Executive Producer: Alexandre Heylen
Screenwriter: Kirk Jones
Distributor: Paramount Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Fox
Production Co: Sundance Channel, Overseas Film Group
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 15, 1998, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $24.8M
Sound Mix: Dolby, Surround
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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