The Hanging Gale

Until viewing this superb albeit very dark and bloody BBC presentation of "Hanging Gale", I had NO idea of the plight of the Irish in the mid-1800s. This presentation dwells primarily on the struggles of the Phelan family and mainly about the four brothers as played wonderfully by real life brothers, Paul, Stephen, Joe and Mark McGann--who are very rugged and very handsome; with one brother being a rather emtionally torn priest and all of them prone to violence and not above committing murder. The brothers are trying to deal with the devastation of poverty, starvation, crop failure, etc. (along with some of the dreariest weather that I've ever seen on film) that is happening to their family and friends and, of course, that meant dealing with Captain Townsend as played greatly by Michael Kitchen who is a rather "mild-mannered" agent for the absent and without a clue land owner. This 2 disc (two episodes on each disc) mini-series is greatly acted and directed. I certainly now have more knowledge and understanding of what happened to the Irish during the time being depicted. Be advised that this is no cushy "Hallmark" presentation. It is a very harsh and realistic presentation that never lets up from its depiction of some very grim times. If you love good drama that will leave you weak in the knees from emotional exhaustion, buy these DVDs.

Not a high action, high drama film. But as performed by the four McGann brothers who starred in this work, the story line was realistic and the dramatic moments were believable as opposed to Hollywood surreal. The part played by Michael Kitchen was balanced in tone & emotion & delivered with an even level of sympathy for the tenant farmers but steadfast loyalty to the absentee, landed gentry. A very entertainlng work.

Hanging Gale is an excellent and smart story with wonderful acting. I am glad I watched it.

What a treat to see the brothers together in this movie. It was a heartbreaking movie but was excellent!

Kitchen was very good

A well-made movie historically presented. Thank you.

I bought this because Michael Kitchen is prominently promoted in it, but he's not in it near enough to justify using him to promote the film. To boot, it's a depressing and repetitive production with scene after scene of pleading, crying, and threatening. The characters are mostly stupid and irresponsible, which makes me not give a damn what happens to them. I wouldn't have paid good money for this had I realized how meatless of a role Kitchen's character is. His performance does not suffer. But the whole foolishness of the story is not worth viewing.

Although this production is excellent in terms of quality acting, etc, the theme is exceedingly dire. The misguided beliefs that drove the oppressed to violence only brought them further ruin, and will always be the case where vengeance rules a mob.

I am extremely disappointed with the purchase. It was not made clear that it could only be played on a blu ray or multi media unit......neither of which I have!! I would like to be able to return this item for a refund........this drama was a British BBC production so what it's doing coming from the states is a mystery. Full refund please.

I had seen part of an episode years ago and was happy to find it on DVD at Amazon. It was a realistic and beautifully filmed representation of the causes and consequences of the starvation and emigration of millions of Irish during the middle of the 19th C. And a subject that should be required reading or viewing for any serious student of history or, for that matter observer of contemporary population displacement.

Based on the historical events of the Great Irish Famine - unbelievable mini-series.