I don't usually comment on films since I am in the movie distribution business, but I have to say that this is one of my favorite films of all time. The acting is fantastic and the script is even better. There were no cheesy speeches or exploitation of handicapped people to try and make this movie more "Hollywood". James McAvoy is such an outstanding actor, I could not look away from him if I tried. I was impressed with Steven Robertson as well. I cannot believe this is his first real film. Brenda Fricker plays a small role, but as usual, she is outstanding. This is a movie for everyone to see just how lucky we all are. If you like Awakenings and Mask, you will enjoy this story. You owe it to yourself to check this film out.
93 Reviews
Incredibly well portrayed and acted
jofitz2717 April 2005
Who could have thought a non-disabled actor could act so realistically and immensely powerfully as a disabled person in a film? Probably someone. But no-one, truly no-one, could ever compare their expectations with the amazingly emotive and powerful performance given by the two actors in this film.
Michael (Steven Robertson) lives in a home for disabled people. He has Cerebral Paulsy, and as shown to us right at the beginning, he has huge trouble communicating. So it truly is a lifeline when fellow disabled member Rory (James McAvoy) who can speak normally, understands him. Thus starts off a friendship that relies mainly on (ironically enough) communication.
In a hilarious scene, they manage to move out of the home into their own. After Rory had been rejected, good hearted Michael put forward an application to move into his own house. Rory, who already had a bad name with the "judges", was to be his interpreter.
But troubles soon come about. They begin good-heartedly stalking a girl who they met in a pub a while back, wanting her to be their assistant to do the little things that matter. She at first is reluctant; she does not know these men, but seems they could be harmless; so strikes up another friendship, but not necessarily a good one...
As well as being poignant, however, this film really does rely on the actors. But that isn't a bad thing. For a non disabled actor, you see Rory, though he can communicate properly, frustrated at the way he's completely dependant on other people, and has no real life of his own. But the real star for me is Steven Robertson. He acts with such emotion, yearning to fit in and sadness/happiness, that really sees him win over the whole entire film.
Excellent.
Overall: 5 out of 5
Michael (Steven Robertson) lives in a home for disabled people. He has Cerebral Paulsy, and as shown to us right at the beginning, he has huge trouble communicating. So it truly is a lifeline when fellow disabled member Rory (James McAvoy) who can speak normally, understands him. Thus starts off a friendship that relies mainly on (ironically enough) communication.
In a hilarious scene, they manage to move out of the home into their own. After Rory had been rejected, good hearted Michael put forward an application to move into his own house. Rory, who already had a bad name with the "judges", was to be his interpreter.
But troubles soon come about. They begin good-heartedly stalking a girl who they met in a pub a while back, wanting her to be their assistant to do the little things that matter. She at first is reluctant; she does not know these men, but seems they could be harmless; so strikes up another friendship, but not necessarily a good one...
As well as being poignant, however, this film really does rely on the actors. But that isn't a bad thing. For a non disabled actor, you see Rory, though he can communicate properly, frustrated at the way he's completely dependant on other people, and has no real life of his own. But the real star for me is Steven Robertson. He acts with such emotion, yearning to fit in and sadness/happiness, that really sees him win over the whole entire film.
Excellent.
Overall: 5 out of 5
A Wonderful Tale of Friendship and Freedom
claudio_carvalho10 August 2007
In Dublin, the crippled rebel Rory O'Shea (James McAvoy) moves to the Carrigmore Residential Home for the Disabled, affecting the lives of the residents. Roy is able to understand the unintelligible speech of Michael Connolly (Steven Robertson), who was left in the shelter by his prominent father many years ago due to his cerebral palsy, and they become close friends. Rory convinces Michael to move from Carrigmore to an apartment in Dublin, and they hire the gorgeous Siobhan (Romola Garai) to assist them. Living together with Rory, Michael faces a new world, finding friendship, love and freedom and learning to survive by his own.
"Inside I'm Dancing" is a wonderful tale of friendship and freedom in a very beautiful story. The acting of Steven Robertson and James McAvoy are awesome and I do not understand how they have not been nominated to the Oscar with such magnificent performances. Romola Garai has also a top-notch performance and is extremely beautiful and sexy. The screenplay is touching, never corny and without redemption and the precise direction of Damien O'Donnell is very sensitive. Unfortunately the Brazilian title of the DVD is shamefully ridiculous, giving a wrong idea of this excellent movie. My vote is eight.
Title (Brazil): "Os Melhores Dias de Nossas Vidas" ("The Best Years of Our Lives")
"Inside I'm Dancing" is a wonderful tale of friendship and freedom in a very beautiful story. The acting of Steven Robertson and James McAvoy are awesome and I do not understand how they have not been nominated to the Oscar with such magnificent performances. Romola Garai has also a top-notch performance and is extremely beautiful and sexy. The screenplay is touching, never corny and without redemption and the precise direction of Damien O'Donnell is very sensitive. Unfortunately the Brazilian title of the DVD is shamefully ridiculous, giving a wrong idea of this excellent movie. My vote is eight.
Title (Brazil): "Os Melhores Dias de Nossas Vidas" ("The Best Years of Our Lives")
On the outside, we can't do much but on the inside, we're dancing!
wheelsofterror24 July 2005
This movie felt so real. I actually felt all of the emotions portrayed here during my life at various times - that of both Rory and Michael. I have Duchene's Muscular Dystrophy like Rory so what you see here is exactly what I've actually felt myself. Some won't believe there ARE disabled people like Rory, full of anger and rebellion. I know they exist because I'm one of them.
The story is great. For a drama, character-driven movie, the story moves fast. I was never bored, maybe partly because I was seeing stuff that is close to my heart. But I think most people, with intelligence, will be glued to the screen and care about the characters. The acting is phenomenal! James McAvoy is perfect as Rory O'Shea, who has Duchene's muscular dystrophy. He Steven Robertson deserves an award for his portrayal as Michael Connolly, who has cerebral palsy.
Michael's love isn't returned by a girl and Rory helps him come to terms with it. I've felt this many times and the question is "doesn't she love me because I'm just not the one or because my disability turned her off?" No matter what the girl says, we will always be skeptical as to the truth. It's just natural and it hurts either way.
A few parts made me cry a little because it is sad and I have to face the issues myself. People without a terminal disability just cannot begin to fathom how it can feel. This is a must-see film for everyone. Disabled people are everywhere and greatly misunderstood. This film brings a little light on some of the facts of life, which are so taken for granted by the able-bodied. We want to be just like you - to live on our own terms, to go out, to get drunk, to be loved. On the outside, we can't do much but on the inside, we're dancing!
The story is great. For a drama, character-driven movie, the story moves fast. I was never bored, maybe partly because I was seeing stuff that is close to my heart. But I think most people, with intelligence, will be glued to the screen and care about the characters. The acting is phenomenal! James McAvoy is perfect as Rory O'Shea, who has Duchene's muscular dystrophy. He Steven Robertson deserves an award for his portrayal as Michael Connolly, who has cerebral palsy.
Michael's love isn't returned by a girl and Rory helps him come to terms with it. I've felt this many times and the question is "doesn't she love me because I'm just not the one or because my disability turned her off?" No matter what the girl says, we will always be skeptical as to the truth. It's just natural and it hurts either way.
A few parts made me cry a little because it is sad and I have to face the issues myself. People without a terminal disability just cannot begin to fathom how it can feel. This is a must-see film for everyone. Disabled people are everywhere and greatly misunderstood. This film brings a little light on some of the facts of life, which are so taken for granted by the able-bodied. We want to be just like you - to live on our own terms, to go out, to get drunk, to be loved. On the outside, we can't do much but on the inside, we're dancing!
Absolutely brilliant
meako197313 October 2004
Michael (played by Steven Robertson) has cerebal palsy, and lives a quiet, and dull, life in Carrigmore Residential Home. When a newcomer to the home, Rory (McAvoy), befriends him, he proceeds to show Michael how to live past the disability. Despite, or maybe because of, Rory's crippling disability (unable to move all but his head and a few digits on his hand), Rory is fiercely independent, and extremely rebellious. His affect upon the quiet and reserve Michael is spectacular, and the two soon leave the care home to set up lives in the outside world, where they recruit the help of Siobhan (Romola Garai) as a care assistant.
This film is one of the gems of the year! Much like last year's In America, the film goes from being extremely funny, to distressing, touching, upsetting, and truly moving without once seeming saccharine sweet. Knowing exactly where to tug at the heartstrings, and where to simply let the story, and characters, do their thing, O'Donnell has crafted a wonderful film which tells us all to look past the surface, and see what lies within.
The true strengths of the film come in the lead actors. So convincing are their characters that you truly do believe that they are disabled. To further manage to convey humor and sorrow on top of the already great performances is amazing. The pair really seem close friends, and as their tale unfolds you care completely for them.
This is definitely one of the finest examples of film this year, telling a very relevant story in a simple way. If this film fails to touch your heart, then you must contain pure ice inside.
This film is one of the gems of the year! Much like last year's In America, the film goes from being extremely funny, to distressing, touching, upsetting, and truly moving without once seeming saccharine sweet. Knowing exactly where to tug at the heartstrings, and where to simply let the story, and characters, do their thing, O'Donnell has crafted a wonderful film which tells us all to look past the surface, and see what lies within.
The true strengths of the film come in the lead actors. So convincing are their characters that you truly do believe that they are disabled. To further manage to convey humor and sorrow on top of the already great performances is amazing. The pair really seem close friends, and as their tale unfolds you care completely for them.
This is definitely one of the finest examples of film this year, telling a very relevant story in a simple way. If this film fails to touch your heart, then you must contain pure ice inside.
An amazing must-see!
christine-carter22 October 2004
I went along to see this film expecting a run-of-the-mill drama. Instead, I was bowled over by the emotion and the depth of the story and the characters involved. It has made me think a lot more about the problems that disabled people face in everyday life and how the stuff that I worry about is rather insignificant in comparison.
I can't remember the last film I saw that took me through pretty much every emotion possible the way that this one did - I felt happiness, sadness, joy, anger, irritability, sorrow, optimism and many other emotions during the course of the film. I could really feel for Rory and Michael and their optimism to make the best out of life should be such an inspiration to everyone.
To summarise, you must go and see this film - it's fantastic and I can't recommend it highly enough.
I can't remember the last film I saw that took me through pretty much every emotion possible the way that this one did - I felt happiness, sadness, joy, anger, irritability, sorrow, optimism and many other emotions during the course of the film. I could really feel for Rory and Michael and their optimism to make the best out of life should be such an inspiration to everyone.
To summarise, you must go and see this film - it's fantastic and I can't recommend it highly enough.
Inside I'm Dancing
jboothmillard20 March 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I first saw him in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as Mr. Tumnus, the Faun, but this is a much better role for James McAvoy. Basically Rory O'Shea (McAvoy) is a wheelchair bound Scottish cool boy, he is sent to a disabled home to live in. There he meets his best friend, misunderstood when talking, Michael Connolly (a brilliant Steven Robertson). He may be retarded, but he does have a good life, and Rory can understand him. After a while they both leave the home, and buy their own flat, accompanied by new helper and carer Alice (Anna Healy). Also starring Alan King as Tommy; Brenda Fricker as Eileen and Ruth McCabe as Annie. I think this is a really good drama to show both the struggle, and the rewards of being disabled, or in a wheelchair. James McAvoy definitely deserved the BAFTA for Best Rising Star. Very good!
F****N' Amazin'
kmscb-12 February 2005
I just witnessed a movie that by all rights should have been fodder for a second rate MOW on Lifetime...but trust the Irish to keep it from being anything but saccharine. The set-up all but SCREAMS "Here's a message concerning what's TRULY important in life" but the execution was way into the "Let's see just what we can get away with, here."
It helps to have two fantastic actors in the leads -- James McAvoy (as Rory) and Stephen Robertson (as Michael). While Rory is offered up as the near saintly one -- never mind the language and attitude, he's the "life force" in this piece and could easily have been insufferable in his ultimately "caring" attitude -- McAvoy keeps him sharp enough to keep him from being too sweet. But the revelation is Stephen Robertson as Michael. Not since Leonardo Di Caprio in "...Gilbert Grape" has anyone so perfectly captured a person with an affliction that I began to believe he really was an actor with cerebral palsy. And his eyes...my God, he can rip you apart with them.
This movie is, to paraphrase Rory, f****n' amazing. Go see it. Take a box of Kleenex and enjoy every well-earned tear...and laugh.
It helps to have two fantastic actors in the leads -- James McAvoy (as Rory) and Stephen Robertson (as Michael). While Rory is offered up as the near saintly one -- never mind the language and attitude, he's the "life force" in this piece and could easily have been insufferable in his ultimately "caring" attitude -- McAvoy keeps him sharp enough to keep him from being too sweet. But the revelation is Stephen Robertson as Michael. Not since Leonardo Di Caprio in "...Gilbert Grape" has anyone so perfectly captured a person with an affliction that I began to believe he really was an actor with cerebral palsy. And his eyes...my God, he can rip you apart with them.
This movie is, to paraphrase Rory, f****n' amazing. Go see it. Take a box of Kleenex and enjoy every well-earned tear...and laugh.
Great Performances In A Movie Both Inspiring And Sometimes Downcast
sddavis6324 March 2009
Warning: Spoilers
I want to love this movie - I mean really love it. I really do. But I didn't. There was something about it that just kept me from making the move from thinking this was pretty good to actually loving it. The strong points are obvious: the acting of James McAvoy as Rory and Steven Robertson as Michael. They were absolutely convincing as young men who suffered from quadraplegia and cerebral palsy respectively. In fact, it's difficult to believe that they really aren't disabled - particularly Robertson, whose performance I thought was the better of the two, but not by much. The story is both inspiring and, in the end, a bit downcast. Rory is the young man who yearns for independence from his condition and who hates being institutionalized, while Michael is the one who passively accepts the institution as his world. When the two come together, everything changes. They develop a fast friendship, and yet it's also obvious that Rory is using Michael to "spring" himself. In the end, the great irony is that Rory, who wanted out of the institution, dies institutionalized (in a hospital) while Michael, who was content (although perhaps not happy) in an institution is able to celebrate the freedom that he only has because of Rory. You spend the entire movie rooting for these two to overcome the odds. Somehow, though, and for some reason, the movie still failed to fully draw me in.
wow what a great movie
spf00626 January 2005
This film was amazing, it was extremely funny and moving. Damien O'Donnell and Jeffrey Caine have put together a great movie which will appeal to all ages. James McAvoy and Steven Robertson made this film brilliant. Their acting was excellent, there was this real lifelike feeling between them, that made you really believe they were the characters they were acting out. Romola Garai is amazingly gorgeous and brilliant in her role. The story of these two physically challenged people and their carer is well put over, and you really start to grow to know and feel for the characters as the movie goes on, it was especially upsetting at the end. I would recommend this movie to anyone that loves a truly heart felt movie, warning to the more sensitive viewer make sure you have tissues you will need them.
Again amazing film!!
Again amazing film!!
No suitable disabled actors?
Matt891 June 2005
I in no way want to detract from what was a wonderful film marked by some terrific acting, particularly from Steven Robertson who steals every scene as Michael. However my only grievance is that the lead performances were both performed by able bodied actors. There is a great pool of untapped talent amongst disabled actors and there are very few roles considered suitable for them, I would have thought this was the perfect opportunity for the casting director to make use of this. Does anybody know whether disabled actors were originally considered for the roles or whether it was logistically difficult for such a casting?
This movie shows the happiness embodied the last year or so of Rory's life and how he made his stamp on the world and changed it forever
rootbeer_float184220 January 2006
Warning: Spoilers
When I was 10 (currently 14), I vowed to never see a movie that I knew would not have a happy ending. And until a few weeks ago I had done pretty well, except for Shakespere for English class...etc...I was still only watching things that ended happy. But then I saw Ramola Garai in Havanah Nights, which was cute, not good but entertaining enough to watch. After seeing this a few times over the two or so years since I first saw it, I grew to like it, especially the music. So I did a search on her and found IMDb...I saw "Inside I'm Dancing" and assumed she had done another dancing movie, and over looked it. It was later on an image search(of Rory, looking for Gilmore Girls poster for locker) I picked up an image from this movie...I then searched for a trailer, I found the trailer and when I saw the hospital and heard Rory say "You've got the future" I remembered my vow and realized this would not be a good movie for me. But it just stayed in the back of my mind until we were at the video store and there it was for $5 used, so I went ahead and bought it. After seeing it I just wanted it out of my head because it was so sad. I still wouldn't go near it until I had cerebral palsy as a vocab word. Then I just had to see it again and this time all I did was laugh, even at the saddest parts I no longer felt depressed because I realized that over all this movie was happy and uplifting...I love it and it is now one of my favorites, I;m sure this is the worst comment you have ever read. But watch the movie it's worth it.
Heart-Warming, Character-Driven Comedy-Drama
akash_sebastian24 April 2014
Written by Jeffrey Caine ('GoldenEye', 'The Constant Gardener') and directed by Damien O'Donnell ('East is East'), this is a heart-warming, character-driven comedy-drama which teaches you how to live, and inspires you to be the best you can possibly be. The film moves you, as well as finds humour in the most unusual places, and that's what makes the movie so enjoyable.
Michael is sad, dull ans shy guy in a Home-for-Disabled who has cerebral palsy and can't talk comprehensibly. Rory, the new guy with muscle dystrophy, is a complete rebel and has a way with his words and wit. Both their lives change for the best.
Jsmes McAvoy and newcomer Steven Robertson are brilliant and funny in their portrayals of Rory and Michael respectively. The background score is captivating.
Michael is sad, dull ans shy guy in a Home-for-Disabled who has cerebral palsy and can't talk comprehensibly. Rory, the new guy with muscle dystrophy, is a complete rebel and has a way with his words and wit. Both their lives change for the best.
Jsmes McAvoy and newcomer Steven Robertson are brilliant and funny in their portrayals of Rory and Michael respectively. The background score is captivating.
Terrible, and very inaccurate
pooingfish18 July 2011
A glorified version of cerebral palsy, I know for a fact that disabled people do not act like this, being disabled myself, and no disabled guy is a wimp, the story is pointless and dull. I also find the acting to be poor and it a shame that they could not cast anyone with cerebral palsy in a role. Personally, I think James Mcavoy would only have taken the character of Rory O'Shea in a vain attempt to clutch an Oscar, and found comfort in his poor level of acting throughout the film preventing him from achieving so. Overall, I would not recommend this film to anyone, and should you want a far more realistic, (and entertaining), story about cerebral palsy then I would advise you to watch Jim Sheridan's 'My Left Foot', which includes an Oscar-winning performance from Daniel Day-Lewis that completely outshines any of the acting in 'Inside I'm Dancing'.
This is Not Your Daddy's Wheelchair Movie
baho-131 January 2005
What a unique and risky premise: two young men, both mentally astute but almost completely disabled with MS and cerebral palsy, leave the group home environment to get their own place in search of independence, romance and excitement. This is a story of friendship, love, and self-awareness. It has less to do with handicaps than with the development and growth of two unique and memorable characters.
Damien O'Donnell's directing keeps the story moving briskly, but it's James McAvoy as the eponymous Rory O'Shea who steals the show with his bravura performance and riveting screen presence, even though he's only acting with his face and two fingers. Steven Robinson is nearly as good as Michael Connelly, the MS patient who Damien befriends at the home. It really is hard to believe these two fine actors aren't truly paralyzed. (Some of the audience thought they were.) Romola Gorai is the most likable of the bunch (how politically incorrect!) as the blonde the boys meet in a bar and convince to become their paid caretaker.
O'Donnell manages to tell this story with extraordinary grace and humor. In the process, he shatters some of our expectations about the physically handicapped, while never forgetting to entertain us. Thank you, and bravo!
Damien O'Donnell's directing keeps the story moving briskly, but it's James McAvoy as the eponymous Rory O'Shea who steals the show with his bravura performance and riveting screen presence, even though he's only acting with his face and two fingers. Steven Robinson is nearly as good as Michael Connelly, the MS patient who Damien befriends at the home. It really is hard to believe these two fine actors aren't truly paralyzed. (Some of the audience thought they were.) Romola Gorai is the most likable of the bunch (how politically incorrect!) as the blonde the boys meet in a bar and convince to become their paid caretaker.
O'Donnell manages to tell this story with extraordinary grace and humor. In the process, he shatters some of our expectations about the physically handicapped, while never forgetting to entertain us. Thank you, and bravo!
DO NOT MISS THIS MOVIE
sk-4715 October 2004
Damien O'Donnell has a good track record and in this film he handles a very delicate topic with sensitivity but manages not to let the film turn into schmalz.
This is a fantastic film, its funny with sad bits and it makes you look at things differently. Tell everyone you know to go see it now- FANTASTIC!
The acting is excellent, and Dublin plays a starring role. This film will change the way you view people with disabilities and also give you a very entertaining night out in the cinema. I can't wait til it comes out on DVD.
This is a fantastic film, its funny with sad bits and it makes you look at things differently. Tell everyone you know to go see it now- FANTASTIC!
The acting is excellent, and Dublin plays a starring role. This film will change the way you view people with disabilities and also give you a very entertaining night out in the cinema. I can't wait til it comes out on DVD.
One of the best movies ever
paul_haakonsen27 January 2010
I have nothing but praise for this movie.
It is simply phenomenal. Good story, good characters which you can feel for, laugh with and share their story. You immediately get sucked up by the storyline and it keeps you there until the very end. It is one of the most beautiful stories I have seen in a motion picture. You cannot really grasp the meaning of life with a disability if you are not suffering from one. This movie shows the trials, victories and defeats associated with such a life in a beautiful, emotional way.
I picked up this movie by random, thought it could be an alright movie from what I read on the backside of the cover. And it turned out to be one of the best movies I have seen. This movie actually had me in tears! You cannot afford to let this movie pass you by.
If you have the chance to see it, DO it. This movie will be with you for a long, long time.
It is simply phenomenal. Good story, good characters which you can feel for, laugh with and share their story. You immediately get sucked up by the storyline and it keeps you there until the very end. It is one of the most beautiful stories I have seen in a motion picture. You cannot really grasp the meaning of life with a disability if you are not suffering from one. This movie shows the trials, victories and defeats associated with such a life in a beautiful, emotional way.
I picked up this movie by random, thought it could be an alright movie from what I read on the backside of the cover. And it turned out to be one of the best movies I have seen. This movie actually had me in tears! You cannot afford to let this movie pass you by.
If you have the chance to see it, DO it. This movie will be with you for a long, long time.
Ramola Garai, you beauty!!!
shashank_150121 September 2023
In my point of view, Ramola Garai is one of the most underappreciated beautiful actress of her generation. May be it's because she has very few credits to her name. But still, I'm tempted to watch any movie that I find her in.
But this movie isn't about her, it's about two especially abled guys Rory (McAvoy) and Michael who want to be free from the care and support they are getting at a Residential Home for the Disabled and live life on their own terms. How they get this wish fulfilled is fun to watch. First thing they do after getting a place to live is hire Ramola as their help. That's when the things get tricky.
McAvoy gives a vibrant performance but it's Michael played Steven Robertson that impresses the most.
But this movie isn't about her, it's about two especially abled guys Rory (McAvoy) and Michael who want to be free from the care and support they are getting at a Residential Home for the Disabled and live life on their own terms. How they get this wish fulfilled is fun to watch. First thing they do after getting a place to live is hire Ramola as their help. That's when the things get tricky.
McAvoy gives a vibrant performance but it's Michael played Steven Robertson that impresses the most.
Movie about life, friendship and love... for the paraplegics
siderite2 June 2006
Let's get it clear from the start: I am an asshole with the emotional sensitivity of cubic stone. Therefore I consider dramas of people with disabilities, social stigma or whatever ailments they have and cry on and on about it as stupid movies with poor taste. I mean, if you have a message, you can tell it without the help of sick or pitiful people.
However, I liked this movie. It is about people with incredible bad luck as personal health goes, but they don't cry about it, quite the opposite, they try to live and people try to "protect" or "take care" of them by actively removing them from real life. The message is live life to the fullest, even if the ending is as sad as possible.
My conclusion: as sick people dramas go, this one is a keeper. It is sad, yet hopeful. I like James McAvoy, even if he does seem to always play the arrogant rebel. I also say that Steven Robertson played very well. Either that or he really has partial paralysis. :)
However, I liked this movie. It is about people with incredible bad luck as personal health goes, but they don't cry about it, quite the opposite, they try to live and people try to "protect" or "take care" of them by actively removing them from real life. The message is live life to the fullest, even if the ending is as sad as possible.
My conclusion: as sick people dramas go, this one is a keeper. It is sad, yet hopeful. I like James McAvoy, even if he does seem to always play the arrogant rebel. I also say that Steven Robertson played very well. Either that or he really has partial paralysis. :)
Nice balance between tragic and funny
Flagrant-Baronessa11 November 2006
This little Irish romp proves sweet and heartrending about two disabled 20-something guys who form an unlikely friendship at Carrigmore Residential Home and learn about life from each other. Although it features near-equal doses of heart and humour (perhaps a little more heart), it is not a movie that will change anything.
'Inside I'm Dancing' aptly sums up how the resident rebel Rory feels when he arrives to the stir up the sedated life, McMurhpy-style, delivering a well-deserved kick up the arse to the archaic, old institution with fast-paced jargon. Rory suffers from Duchenne Muscle Dystrophy, which means he is permanently confined to an electric wheel chair. Michael, conversely, suffers from Cerebral Palsy which means he can move, but has trouble expressing himself. Needless to say, the two complement each other perfectly and begin a friendship. Soon they are confident enough to move into a flat of their own and hire a personal assistant to take care of them.
Acting performances are all fine and the entire central cast captures the nature of their respective charactersthe naïve, sheltered Michael, the disillusioned leader Rory and the sweet-spoken Siobhan. Yet it needs to be said that James McAvoy perhaps inhabits his street-smart, charismatic role with the most effortless conviction in the film. Although Stevenson does a fair job of portraying his cerebral palsy character, his performance regrettably often tips over into 'staged' and the assigned quirks feel just that. Assigned. Romola Garai however is, as ever, exquisitely emotive and compelling to watch, cementing her position as one of the most promising young actresses of today.
There are many lessons to be learned in the film for its characters and for its audience. When are you truly independent? Is it a physical or psychological state? What are the social implications of being disabled? Rory and Michael are poised on the outside of the world and looking in at all of its temptations and instead of descending into a world of their own, as the 'friendship' premise perhaps suggests, they go to great lengths to integrate into normality, such as barhopping, racing, trying to get arrested and picking up chicks, even their hot personal assistant (Romola Garai) that they hope to get with.
Inside I'm Dancing manages poignant and tearjerking when it tries, which is admirable. The good news is that when things get really dire and tragic, it still never feels as though the film purposely tries to jerk you for tears, but remains effortless and classy in all of its approaches. Speaking of approaches, expect no revolutionary ones taken in this romp. It is not a film that claims to change anythingattitudes or messagesit keeps in the 'low-key' category and this renders it safe, even though a film about disabled people could theoretically be as un-PC and daring as it wanted.
7 out of 10
'Inside I'm Dancing' aptly sums up how the resident rebel Rory feels when he arrives to the stir up the sedated life, McMurhpy-style, delivering a well-deserved kick up the arse to the archaic, old institution with fast-paced jargon. Rory suffers from Duchenne Muscle Dystrophy, which means he is permanently confined to an electric wheel chair. Michael, conversely, suffers from Cerebral Palsy which means he can move, but has trouble expressing himself. Needless to say, the two complement each other perfectly and begin a friendship. Soon they are confident enough to move into a flat of their own and hire a personal assistant to take care of them.
Acting performances are all fine and the entire central cast captures the nature of their respective charactersthe naïve, sheltered Michael, the disillusioned leader Rory and the sweet-spoken Siobhan. Yet it needs to be said that James McAvoy perhaps inhabits his street-smart, charismatic role with the most effortless conviction in the film. Although Stevenson does a fair job of portraying his cerebral palsy character, his performance regrettably often tips over into 'staged' and the assigned quirks feel just that. Assigned. Romola Garai however is, as ever, exquisitely emotive and compelling to watch, cementing her position as one of the most promising young actresses of today.
There are many lessons to be learned in the film for its characters and for its audience. When are you truly independent? Is it a physical or psychological state? What are the social implications of being disabled? Rory and Michael are poised on the outside of the world and looking in at all of its temptations and instead of descending into a world of their own, as the 'friendship' premise perhaps suggests, they go to great lengths to integrate into normality, such as barhopping, racing, trying to get arrested and picking up chicks, even their hot personal assistant (Romola Garai) that they hope to get with.
Inside I'm Dancing manages poignant and tearjerking when it tries, which is admirable. The good news is that when things get really dire and tragic, it still never feels as though the film purposely tries to jerk you for tears, but remains effortless and classy in all of its approaches. Speaking of approaches, expect no revolutionary ones taken in this romp. It is not a film that claims to change anythingattitudes or messagesit keeps in the 'low-key' category and this renders it safe, even though a film about disabled people could theoretically be as un-PC and daring as it wanted.
7 out of 10
absolutely fantastic
childofGod3178 May 2005
I've been looking forward to seeing this film ever since I first caught the trailer, and I'm so glad now that I have. It's truly a wonderful film. The actors are superb, the writing is fresh and real, the whole thing was just spot-on. I love James McAvoy in this, and I can't wait to see him in "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" movie this December. Romola Garai is wonderful too. Be sure to check her out in "I Capture the Castle" or "Nicholas Nickleby," two of my favorite films. Overall, I think I liked this movie because it didn't chicken out. It's a difficult subject matter to tell a story about, in that you're very likely to offend a lot of people or mess up and make it into some overly-sentimental-sugary-sweet love fest. But they avoided doing that completely, and instead made a film that's real, honest, and touching, yes, but never over-the-top. Very well done. Amazingly well done. Go out and see it, and you'll know exactly what I mean.
Not only Hollywood movies kick a**!
fishykish18 January 2006
I think I was recommended this film by the lady in the shop I was hiring it from! For once she was bang on! What a superb film! First of all I was convinced James McAvoy & Romola Garai were Irish so convincing were their accents; and by half way through the film I was utterly convinced Steven Robertson was a disabled actor and pretty sure James McAvoy was also! When I watched the special features on the DVD and saw both actors in their 'normal' guise, to say I was blown away would be an understatement!!! I can remember all the acclaim Dustin Hoffmann got back in the 80's for his portrayal of autism in the film 'Rain Man' - quite frankly (in my opinion of course!)Steven Robertson's performance/portrayal blows Dustin Hoffmann's right out of the water - and he deserves recognition as such!! All in all one of the greatest portrayals of human friendship/love/relationships ever - and it was made in Britain/Ireland with home grown actors - stick that in yer pipe and smoke it Hollywood!
Alireza.Akhlaghi.Official
alireza-akhlaghi8416 January 2019
Believe in disability, will break human.
On the other hand, the illusion of ability also has the same result. Realism with hope, but the key is our story.
They are two disadvantaged wheelchairs who can not define stop for their desire for their revelation.
They got progress to prove themselves.
Their desire for revelation within the environment and the discovery and experience, emphasizes the fact that they are realizing a solid slap.
As Michael decides to return to the sanatorium, he will give up him.
The film, in fact, illustrates the delicate points and currents from the window of view of people with disabilities and low-level attitudes.
As an audience, you spend hours spoiling, which means the powerful impact of the film that helps us have a mutual understanding of the cortex we are weaker.
Trite, Hollywoodish Handicap Movie
kathyandlarry28 April 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Got invited by some friends and went not expecting much after seeing the trailer. Unfortunately, I was not surprised. Basic Hollywood movie about the handicapped and how they move on their own and face prejudice. About halfway through, I figured out the rest of the plot and emotional strings that were going to be pulled. I have a friend who has cerebral palsy, lives on his own, and speaks about like Michael does. Part of me would like his reaction except I know he doesn't like movies with bad language, alcohol, and sexual innuendo and neither does he live that way. Go if you must, but expect a Hollywood or movie-of-the-week telling of what the handicap life is...in short, nothing resembling real life.
A Lively Demand for Freedom for the Disabled
noralee8 February 2005
"Rory O'Shea Was Here (Inside I'm Dancing)" is a marvelous lead showcase for the talented James McAvoy who up to now has been a cocky secondary character in movies such as "Wimbledon" and memorable television such as "State of Play." But there his bad boy brashness is supported by a whirlwind of movement and sensuality whereas here all he can use in portraying a spark plug with Duchenne muscular dystrophy is his voice and expressions. His "Rory" takes hold of a condescending home for "special people" the way Jack Nicholson shook up the mental ward in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." He is a rebel with a cause -- freedom.
Steven Robertson as the pal he dynamites out of perhaps too simple complacency is achingly convincing as a young man with cerebral palsy who gradually learns he has a potential to fulfill, emotionally and intellectually.
The film is particularly good at creating very individual characters with specific family and class situations, as well as making good use of the Dublin environment.
While there are some clichés along the way, as well as a few overly convenient plot points, the film with humor, liveliness and poignancy (and a cool soundtrack) sticks our face in large issues about the helping bureaucracy, the need to individuate independent living opportunities, with particular attention to age differences, and our attitudes about the physically disabled.
Steven Robertson as the pal he dynamites out of perhaps too simple complacency is achingly convincing as a young man with cerebral palsy who gradually learns he has a potential to fulfill, emotionally and intellectually.
The film is particularly good at creating very individual characters with specific family and class situations, as well as making good use of the Dublin environment.
While there are some clichés along the way, as well as a few overly convenient plot points, the film with humor, liveliness and poignancy (and a cool soundtrack) sticks our face in large issues about the helping bureaucracy, the need to individuate independent living opportunities, with particular attention to age differences, and our attitudes about the physically disabled.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
