Pavee Lackeen DVD, 2005

A documentary-style portrait of a traveller community seen through the eyes of a 10-year old girl, Perry Ogden's delivers a powerful piece of social commentary with hi... more >

A documentary-style portrait of a traveller community seen through the eyes of a 10-year old girl, Perry Ogden's delivers a powerful piece of social commentary with his unsentimental debut feature. As the girl's family rallies against prejudice and council interference, she copes with difficulties at school and the affliction of her alcoholic mother. Although the outlook seems bleak, this is nevertheless an affecting salute to human perseverance that recalls the work of the Dardenne Brothers. The amateur cast, many of whom are from the same family, give impressive, naturalistic performances, and Winnie Maughan excels as the young protagonist. A compelling, neorealist representation of a Dublin traveller community. < less