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Waking Ned Devine

Play trailer Poster for Waking Ned Devine PG Released Sep 15, 1998 1h 31m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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84% Tomatometer 61 Reviews 88% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
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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Waking Ned Devine

Waking Ned Devine

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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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Critics Reviews

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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 Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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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 Read all reviews
Waking Ned Devine

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

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
Producer
Glynis Murray
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
Runtime
1h 31m
Sound Mix
Dolby, Surround
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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