I was invited to an advanced screening of White Irish Drinkers with no expectations of the film, and I must say I was truly impressed.

From the acting of Steven Lang, who, as always - was extraordinary, to the under-appreciated Karen Allen in one of her best roles. And finally to Nick Thurston who delivered a strong, measured performance that anchors the story.

In addition, Seamus Tierney provided some exceptional cinematography shot on location in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn - rarely seen on film since Saturday Night Fever in 1977, which coincidentally is the roughly the year when Drinkers is set.

But it is the director/writer/producer John Gray who's long career of solid work has served him well in bringing this powerful story to life.

This is an incredibly good movie, the kind they don't seem to make anymore, with a pretty simple, straightforward conflict, amazingly good acting and writing, and it evokes a time and place (Brooklyn 1977) perfectly.

At the top of a long list of very good performances are Stephen Lang as the alcoholic father, Karen Allen as the stoic but deeply-loving mother, the amazing Nick Thurston (who I had not heard of before) as the son, and Leslie Murphy as his love interest.

In smaller roles Peter Reigert and Geoffrey Wigdor are extremely good.

John Gray's script and direction are extremely moving without being overblown or showy.

This movie is very emotionally honest. It clearly was a labor of love for everybody involved.

Lots of movies seem to me to be overly clever and self-regarding, throwing curve ball after curve ball at you while they're looking in the mirror smirking. This movie is a fastball right over the plate.

(I wanted to give 9.5 because almost nothing is a 10, but fractions are not allowed ...)

Invited by a friend of a friend, I saw a preview and was prepared to politely praise the film even if I didn't like it. But I was surprised. This film is sincere, unpretentious, extremely well written and well acted. The story captured my interest from beginning to end. High marks go to all of the actors -- Karen Allen, Peter Riegert, Nick Thurston at an existential crossroads, Geoffrey Wigdor as his older brother who is already lost to the streets, and especially Stephen Lang (the baddie from Avatar), a formidable actor who digs his fingers into your heart. I saw grown men in our audience surreptitiously wiping their eyes!

I don't know much about film-making, but I know what holds me. Whatever the makers did, they did right. Good luck!

Nick Thurston was brilliant as the young, struggling artist. However, it was the writing that made him, as well as the rest of the film so convincing. As an artist (and teacher of young artists), I was impressed with the authenticity of the dialog, the astonishingly beautiful art direction and all the skilled nuances that brought the Brian Leary character to life.It was a spellbinding, compassionate portrait of a creative soul as much as it was a gritty tale of coming of age. I also found the film visually compelling and powerful-which all points back brilliant writing. Kudos to John Gray. Not for nothing, the closing scenes and the powerful gifts of Stephen Lang were spectacularly effective. I can't remember the last time (if ever) a film made me stand up, cheer and pump my fit at the end! I do hope this film receives the broad audience and recognition it and its creators so richly deserve.

I'm drawn to movies that deal with families that are not as picture perfect as Hollywood movies normally depict them to be. White Irish Drinkers reveals the dark side of an alcoholic, dehumanized father, a mother who is trapped in an abusive marriage, and two coming-of-age brothers who are forced find their own way to escape their bleak futures---- at whatever cost.

For a film marketed around the line "Blood is thicket than Brooklyn" -- it's an honest and heartwarming independent. It's a genuine story that tests the power of loyalty in the middle of crime-infested Brooklyn.. White Irish Drinkers is definitely one of those movies that puts everything into perspective.

Went because Karen Allen is a neighbor to a special screening on a nasty night for weather. So glad that I did. This is a very honest movie that is realistic and avoids stereotypes of a blue collar neighborhood. Shows local pride and strong bonds coupled with distrust of those who aspire to something different from the norm. Some violence (not extreme)is shown for what it is and not glamorized.

Many nuanced performances, including all the leading character. Lots of humor and warmth. And in addition to the excellent characterization, authentic depiction of the 1970s and good sense of local color, there is a strong story line. A real pleasure to see a technically and artistically excellent and honestly crafted piece of work.

What an incredible movie! I'm concerned that some of the critics were watching a different film to the public audiences that are rating it with 10 stars. Perhaps they were watching this master-piece through different eyes, or a check wasn't sitting in their popcorn...sorry folks, this movie was made with love and passion and NOT money.

John Gray's tremendous love for the craft and the people that surround him is a testimony and encouragement to all independent film makers that passion is more powerful than money.

I encourage everyone to get out and support top notch Indie film making at it's finest.....at the screening in Hollywood last night which I attended, the audience gave the film a standing ovation! Unbelievable!

During these challenging times, when life seems so overwhelming, so hopeless, so unable to change tracks or make different choices, a film like this can touch someone at a level so deep, that personal movement becomes possible again.

There are a few creative people on this planet, who when they take action, I KNOW they have a message I need and want to hear. John Gray is one of those people. When I saw the cast and crew for this production, I knew that it was even more important to hear this message, that ALL these creative professionals, signed on to co-create, for much more then a monetary reward.

One of the challenges that has happened to the humans in the US, is that over time, we have lost or given up those important rites of passages, during which "today, I take a different path." (become a different person, live a different life)... Even more importantly, to not leave that path, give up on the vision, abandon the dream, no matter the enticements of an easier "way", faster rewards, or even,~ sometimes, to just stop being the outcast, the outsider, the misfit, and to finally break the mold and the legacy, is both something the viewers can identify with AND connect to on an emotional level.

A story like this can help keep that spark of hope alive long enough, to survive, thrive and become a light (in turn) for others as John Gray, and those who share his path have become, if only it can be distributed out to those who desperately need to hear, see and feel the heart of stories like this one!

Coming from a strong Irish background, the title automatically drew me in and I was hooked from the start.

This is one of those movies that you just don't seem to see anymore. It is real, and plays all your emotions. It is one of those straight forward movies that doesn't beat around anything: it has conflict, humor, the family drama, and romance.

The acting is phenomenal as well too.. Karen Allen, Stephen Lang, and Nick Thurston were PERFECT for their roles.. I think we will be seeing a lot more of Nick after this movie gets out.

Over all I give it a 10 ... and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this movie to anyone!

What can I say about this excellent movie that hasn't already been said so many times before? How about that Jackie Martling, who plays a cop in the movie, offers a rare performance that can only be described as pure acting GOLD.

The flick starts out like any other in its genre, playing to the audience bye using pop icons and cheesy dialog to move the plot forward. It's one of those movies where after watching for a while, you begin to consider leaving the room, and jumping off a hill. Enter, Jackie Martling. Am I watching the same movie as I was 10 minutes ago? I really don't want to ruin any of the plot, so I'll just skip the details and get to the point. Jackie's breathtaking and genius work in this movie screams "Oscar Award", and if you truly consider yourself a fan of movies, treat yourself to this one so that you too can experience the delicate yet masterful deliverance of Jackie Martling.

The narrative arc of 'White Irish Drinkers' is so stale that it feels like a previously viewed film. Set amongst the mean streets of 1970s Brooklyn, a blue collar Irish-American is offered a scholarship at a prestigious art school - but inexplicable loyalty to a petty criminal older brother, a violent drunken father and a depressed mother prevents him making the obvious decision. The sensitive hero tries to overcome the film's dull dialog and direction while he wrestles with his conscience and churns out some mediocre scribbles in the basement.

The lame tale limps from one hackneyed scene to the next, as unconvincing sub-plots involving a trite romance and a theater owner's rock concert scam provide some minor relief from the family squabbles, macho posturing and fistfights. Eventually the story arrives at a predictable tragedy, followed by a maudlin display of grief, before a last punch to the face thankfully brings down the final curtain.

White Irish Drinkers is one of the best films I've seen in a while. The characters within the film struggle with the problems all of us face: including family relationships and financial troubles that prevent us from chasing our goals in life. The story is about two Irish brothers who don't seem to have any solid future. While one dreams of college, his older brother turns to a life of crime. Also, while most films just show the one-sided cruelness of an abusive father, Stephen Lang's ('Avatar') performance has depth that allows you to see and relate to his tormented soul. It was refreshing to see the plot pushed forward not by special effects like most films nowadays, but by the skills of the actors and the strength of the plot. I would highly recommend this film to anyone.

I saw this movie purely by accident but it was the best cinematic I've made in some time. A friend mentioned the film to me in passing and I figured I'd give it a go knowing nothing about the plot/director/cast anything at all.

And boy, was I really taken in! I'm under the impression this is Nick Thurston's "break out role" as its call and holy crap does he deliver! He was passionate, relatable, and someone I genuinely rooted for in the film. For me, that has proved difficult, but John Gray really pulled it off (great director, haven't seen much of him but he was wonderful)

I don't want to say much else cause I feel like once I get started this will be become one big spoiler alert. Just that every bit of acting was astounding (Stephen Lang was just so powerful) and this can't be missed.

As the title suggests, there needs to be more focus on this film, it's shaping up to be one of my favorites of the year.

When I saw White Irish Drinkers at its opening in LA, it was one of the most memorable experiences I've ever had at a movie theater. The film truly resonated throughout the audience with the passion of its actors, the heartfelt progression of the story, and the uplifting journey that a man takes to overcome his current situation. The energy was incredible! The real beauty of this film is how it truly captures the dynamics of family, the pain when members struggle, the perseverance to keep it together, and the occasional pauses to smile and appreciate love. Also a huge fan of newcomer Nick Thurston, whose presence in the film holds its own against a phenomenal cast with Karen Allen and Stephen Lang. As the film concluded, the audience gave a standing ovation. Definitely worth seeing.

I caught White Irish Drinkers at a film festival and I have to say I was really impressed with it. I have family in Brooklyn, and every street corner and bar reminded me of the times I've had there. Not to mention, the incredible acting of the greats like Karen Allen and Stephen Lang, but also the newcomers Nick Thurston and Geoff Wigdor. Needless to say, I IMDb'd all of the actors after I saw it because of how awesome they were.

Nick Thurston's acting really makes you feel for this kid. You almost relate to him even if you have never been through this life of abuse and petty crimes. And his innocent blue eyes make it impossible to look away!

I would invite anyone to see this movie again. I don't think it matters who you are; you'll love White Irish Drinkers, with its deeply emotional scenes of family and abuse and it's hilarity in streaking through cemeteries. White Irish Drinkers rocks!

The movie is well done and the acting stellar. But it is burdened with a hackneyed plot: talented kid seeks to escape the stranglehold of his low-life culture, but family loyalties are ties not easily broken. This version takes us into the clutches of 1975 Irish-Americans, living their dreary lives in Brooklyn. The talented misfit is an artist with a drunken father, a weak mother, and a gang-banger older brother. The only question for the audience is whether it will end in despair or with a little Hollywood high-five.

Yes, the plot is a universal one: you love your family, but you need to escape it and find your own way... A coming-of-age story. This one bothered me because the mother Margaret (Karen Allen) was such a beat- down martyr. Bad enough that the father (Stephen Lang) was the worst kind of put-your-dukes-up cliché of an Irish drunk. But the movie didn't live up to the flip side of the stereotype: the Irish woman who takes charge and who goes all out on behalf of her sons... or at least screams good and loud about it.

In the end I just wound up being mad at the whole lot of them.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and everything that it brought to the table. I felt the story was extremely well written and the film was brilliantly casted. Newcomer Nick Thurston delivered a brilliant performance and really put himself on the map I feel. I also really enjoyed watching Karen Allen's performance for I thought she did an amazing job at bring the character to life and really showing her struggle. The film also had an amazing soundtrack that really added extreme emotion to all the scenes. I truly could feel the emotional tension in each scene. Aside from it being emotionally gripping, it also had a light hearted feel to it as well. The exchanges between Nick Thurston and his love interest really have a romantic touch to them and gives the film its romantic appeal.I really feel people will love this movie for it really is able to connect with people and reach them on a personal level. I high recommend seeing it. Well worth it.

This is such an incredible piece of work. A friend of mine had seen it and recommended it to me, and I'm so glad I got the opportunity to see it. This indie has it all: excellent writing, captivating cinematography, and an incredibly talented cast. It was so refreshing to see new talent like Nick Thurston work so incredibly well with the veterans of the cast. Stephen Lang, Karen Allen, and Geoff Wigdor also have captivating performances, but newcomer Thurston really stole the show for me. The story line beautifully carries the weight of alcoholism and the conflict of staying loyal to family while also trying to find your own way. Like any good film, White Irish Drinkers carries the viewer through a multitude of emotions, and they're left with a powerful presentation. You can really feel the director's passion for the story, and the characters' authenticity pulls in any audience. This isn't one to miss.

there is nothing much to say about this film, 30 minutes of this feels like an hour, if your into that then this movie is for you. its 1975 and everything is retro in this movie. bars, fights, petty crime, the love interest, family troubles, all the standard stuff you expect in this film like this. a small thing here and there to keep you on your toes and a shock and the movies over. don't expect much, there are better movies to wast your time on then this one. i don't think they actually skimped its the fact that you can't do much with what they had to work with. the castings not bad, the script could of used a little tweaking. it comes short on all things. watch CSPAN or something if your that bored, this one is not that good

At the beginning of this movie, I had a bit of a negative predisposition towards it. However, the longer I watched it, the more I became emotionally involved (I'm not someone who typically cries during movies; I'll occasionally tear up, but nothing like this). The characters develop, the plot improves, everything about it just gets better. This movie is definitely under appreciated by critics and the people who have given it low scores. There were times when things happened so unexpectedly and intensely that I could feel my adrenaline rushing like I was personally involved. I highly recommend White Irish Drinkers. It's a gritty, emotional, and extremely engaging story with a dark, twisted sense of humor providing occasional comic relief.

There were times where this movie was a little bit predictable and a little bit slow, but I still liked it. I especially enjoyed the interaction between Danny and Shauna. It seemed both genuine and touching. Some of the other acting seemed a slightly wooden at times, but when viewed as a whole and not picked apart piece by piece it was still a good movie.

White Irish Drinkers is a must see film from director John Gray. His 2010 feature starring Nick Thurston and Geoffrey Wigdor as two brothers living in an impoverished Brooklyn neighborhood trying to make their way through life despite their abusive father and complacent mother. A semi-autobiographical film about identity and life's purpose comes a brilliant coming-of-age film. A raw film that doesn't hold back, White Irish Drinkers is a true hidden gem for audiences everywhere.

Brian (Nick Thurston) is an upbeat 18-year old working at his neighborhood's local theatre and painting in all the free time he has. An artist at heart who is told too often that his work will never make a living for him, Brian is the only one in his circle of friends who wants to live a meaningful life, rather than only concern himself with making money and having benefits. Danny (Geoffrey Wigdor), Brian's brother, is just looking for a way to survive his life. The oldest child in his family, Brian acted as the constant punching bag for his father, Patrick's (Stephen Lang) many drunken beatings. Spending all of his family's money, and all of his time at the bar meant Patrick came home many nights angry at the world and himself for not providing enough for his family to survive. The family matriarch, Margaret (Karen Allen) believes her duty as a good Catholic wife means enduring her husband's abuse and holding out hope for more good times than bad. Both brothers, aimless in their own ways just seek to survive to the next day. Danny, who has taken to robbing jewelry stores as his means of survival, hatches a plan to rob the theatre Brian works for when he hears that the Rolling Stones will be performing there in a desperate attempt to save the theatre. Danny wants Brian to rob the theatre with them, then leave the city together with enough money to start better lives for each other. Brian, however, is no thief; he's already tried that life and failed at it, plus, he is far too loyal to theatre manager Whitey (Peter Riegert) to double-cross him. Stuck between familial loyalty that runs strong through the predominantly Irish neighborhood he lives in and the loyalty to the only person who's ever given him a chance, Brian must decide whether to adopt a life of crime as a means of getting by, as his brother did, or staying on the straight and narrow path and forging a meaningful destiny, no matter how uncertain that destiny is.

White Irish Drinkers is a beautifully shot film filled with amazing use of sounds that will strike audiences instantly. With its brilliant score, White Irish Drinkers is a film that will stay in your ears, and your head, days after seeing it. The writing was fun, rife with references to the 70's time period in which it takes place. It's actually impossible to miss the fact that this takes place in the 70's, with pop culture references filling the script with machine gun rapidness. It's always fun to see a favorite movie pop up in a modern-day film, and being a big Rocky Horror Picture Show fan, it was cool to see such a cheeky reference to it in White Irish Drinkers. Creating such a poignant, fresh coming-of-age tale that really delves into what it means to live life with a purpose, White Irish Drinkers is one of those understated films that really doesn't get the credit it deserves.

Great to see Karen Allen again, and Peter Riegert and Stephen Lang! Such good actors. This is a smallish, low-budget, independent film, but the it is carried by a good cast, younger actors included. Nick Thurston manages to avoid hackneyed playing of familiar family dynamics, making his moments very specific to the character of Brian, who emerges as definitely the hero of the story. Both Geoffrey Wigdor and Leslie Murphy efficiently and movingly convey the writer-director's idea of trapped people trying to escape their environment in different ways with varying outcomes. Personally, my favorite parts involved 1) the location in Suffern New York: the old Lafayette revival theater (playing itself!), and 2) the scripting of the final exchange between two of the characters; it was just what I wanted to see happen.

I graduated High School in 1976. I grew up in Bay Ridge/Sunset Park. I am Irish. My father was a drunk. My hobby is painting. The opening shots of the Bridge and then a pan of OLPH hit a cord with anyone who knows the area.

I wanted to like this movie a lot. It was brought down by a kind of predictable plot and predictable characters. It was brought up by some great (but uneven) acting and the way that Bay Ridge itself becomes a character in the film.

In a bigger movie, Karen Allen might have gotten an Oscar nod for her performance as a good-hearted, long-suffering, worn down Mother. Leslie Murphy totally nails her part as a Brooklyn girl. Less successful are the male leads. Steven Lang overplays the stereotype tough working class drunkard dad. Geoffrey Wigdor channeled a little too much Fonzie/Adam Dice Clay into his characterization of a Brooklyn Punk. Nick Thurston is endearing as a somewhat wide-eyed caught in a moment I can't get out of Catholic School boy wanna' be artist whose life is made difficult by the people around him for no real explainable reason. But he doesn't even try for a Brooklyn accent, and that strikes me as a little out of place.

But the bar/party scenes, the neighborhood, the stoops and corners are the authentic feel of Bay Ridge, although, in it's entirely it's a much nicer more hopeful place than shown (although the 70's were it's low point). There are a lot of small moments in this movie that ring true. When Brian opens Danny's notebook that is a real punch in the gut. Two young guys sitting on a stoop talking...dead on Brooklyn, there. The idea that people would run naked through Greenwood Cemetery (one of the most famous busiest cemeteries in the country, which is crossed with roads) didn't make a whole lot of sense to me.

Overall, I would recommend this movie for the acting and the little things that it got right, although you have to overlook some senseless derivative plot elements to enjoy it.

Amazing and inspiring film! After watching this I felt as though I wanted to tell my own story. John Gray does a great job of piecing together the parts of this film and relaying a truly compelling story.

The acting is what makes this movie. The fresh young faces are truly talented from the core and it is clear that their talents have been honed by training. Yet they are so real and genuine and you can't help but feel connected to them.

There are twists & turns to keep you interested and the ending is awesome. I applaud John Gray for sticking it to the man.

Go & enjoy!!