Waking Ned Devine

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Waking Ned Devine

PG

1998

1h 31m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

83%

Tomatometer

59 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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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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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Some funny parts, but kids may not be interested.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 29, 2010

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Empire Magazine

As the twin revelations of a wonderfully unexpected pay-off prove, in the end there's no substitute for wit, invention and real, priceless humour.

Rated: 4/5

Mar 11, 2008

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Derek Elley

Variety

A genial, feel-good item.

Mar 11, 2008

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Leigh Paatsch

Herald Sun (Australia)

An unpretentious, utterly charming affair.

Rated: 3.5/5

Jun 2, 2020

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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

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Jack Garner

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

Rated: 9/10

Oct 18, 2008

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Clinton R

Not unlike Local Hero, The Castle, The Dish, The Commitments... this film is perfect in every regard (with the one exception of stretching the notion that "Maggie" is attractive.) It will become one of your favorite movies. P.S. Stick around for the closing music from The Waterboys.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/09/25

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Cameron H

Waking Ned Devine is one of my favorite foreign movies. It’s a hilarious, wholesome, family friendly comedy about friendship and clever mischief. The cast was fantastic, charming, and witty, every character was likable, the story was both fun and touching. It’s just an all around wonderful and highly enjoyable film that you definitely need to see!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/09/25

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Erik B

Charming and quaint, and maybe just a little dark. A good way to spend a wee bit o' time.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/17/25

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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

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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

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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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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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