Featured Audience Ratings

• Thomas J

  
  Since I am disabled I do not feel as guilty rating this movie on the low end. It was predictable and little new to the plight of the disabled was offered. The sweet story at the heart of this film is lost in the "look at me act" disabled. Steven Robertson does and… More
  Since I am disabled I do not feel as guilty rating this movie on the low end. It was predictable and little new to the plight of the disabled was offered. The sweet story at the heart of this film is lost in the "look at me act" disabled. Steven Robertson does and excellent job.... but I get tired and frustrated with him as I try to understand his character. Tired to the point of losing interest.

• Jim H

  
  On one hand, I think I should be cynical about this film: suggest it is emotionally manipulative and functions on the "strength" of its cliches. After all, it features two men with severe disabilities and attempts to prove the thesis that we should all carpe diem. These… More
  On one hand, I think I should be cynical about this film: suggest it is emotionally manipulative and functions on the "strength" of its cliches. After all, it features two men with severe disabilities and attempts to prove the thesis that we should all carpe diem. These are not new themes, nor is it new to have an inspirational cripple story. On the other hand, I was thoroughly impressed by McAvoy's and Robertson's performances. Both were exceptionally convincing in their characters and their characters' disabilities (Robertson especially), and Garai turned the role of "the girl" into a sweet but tough feminist. But these are tangential to the fact that all of emotional manipulation worked on me. I found myself affected by the story even as I realized its cliche predictability. <i>Rory O'Shea Was Here</i> is like a one night stand: it doesn't amount to much the next morning, but the "during" sure was enjoyable.

• ♥˩ƳИИ &

  
  CAST: James McAvoy, Steven Robertson, Romola Garai, Brenda Fricker, Gerard McSorley, Tom Hickey DIRECTED BY: Damien O'Donnell SUMMARY: When Rory O'Shea (James McAvoy) moves into a home for the disabled with a diagnosis of muscular dystrophy and befriends a deeply bored… More
  CAST: James McAvoy, Steven Robertson, Romola Garai, Brenda Fricker, Gerard McSorley, Tom Hickey DIRECTED BY: Damien O'Donnell SUMMARY: When Rory O'Shea (James McAvoy) moves into a home for the disabled with a diagnosis of muscular dystrophy and befriends a deeply bored young man with cerebral palsy (Steven Robertson), he infuses his pal's life with renewed hope, even as he struggles with his own demons. O'Shea refuses to surrender to the desperation of his life, choosing instead to embrace the potential in everyday opportunities. Romola Garai co-stars in this uplifting drama. MY THOUGHTS: "Probably now my favorite James McAvoy movie. It was funny, heartwarming, and inspiring. The story is strong and you really start caring for the two lead characters. The acting is superb. Rory has muscular dystrophy and not much time left in this world. He's determined to make every moment of it enjoyable. He rebels against his disease and everything they say is impossible for him to do. He refuses to not live. That's so inspiring. He becomes fast friends with Michael. Michael has cerebral palsy and has lived in an institution his whole life. He's never dreamed of a life outside of the institution, but on a trip to a meeting Rory has to be granted independent living inspires Michael to want the same. It's unbelievably sad that the disabled have to ask permission to live freely like others their age, when the rest of us take that freedom for granted. This isn't just a movie about two disabled guys. Its a look at a piece of their lives and their fight for independence and the fun they have along the way. I loved it. For those who aren't interested you should give it a chance. Great film.."

• Anthony L

  
  A sweet film with some good performances. It succeeds because It doesn?t get too sentimental or preachy.

• Leigh R

  
  Movie of hope and accomplishment.

• Lady D

  
  A theme that?s very rarely portrayed as natural as this film was able to, it dealt with the issue in hand in a realistic manner; whilst keeping a realistic sense of humour too, the extremities of the emotions allowed the storyline to flip in a moment?s notice, which created good… More
  A theme that?s very rarely portrayed as natural as this film was able to, it dealt with the issue in hand in a realistic manner; whilst keeping a realistic sense of humour too, the extremities of the emotions allowed the storyline to flip in a moment?s notice, which created good Drama. Brilliant performances from all envolved, James McAvoy?s character was truly infectious and really brought the rebel side out of the story and with regards to Steven Robinson, well I was just reminded of the great Daniel Day Lewis?s portrayal of Christie Brown in My Left Foot (co-incidence both films had Brenda Fricker in them??). I have personal links to the theme of this film, but have rated it according to the film and not my personal feelings. This is life in the real world, with tears and laughter thrown in for realistic measure.

• Tim S

  
  Rory O'Shea Was Here was quite a surprise indeed. Two friends both with debilitating diseases find each other, become dependant on each other and then by the end of the film, independent of each other. The story itself is engaging and interesting and the performances are all… More
  Rory O'Shea Was Here was quite a surprise indeed. Two friends both with debilitating diseases find each other, become dependant on each other and then by the end of the film, independent of each other. The story itself is engaging and interesting and the performances are all around terrific. The script at times can feel cliche'd and over-simplified, but it carries a lot of heart and doesn't let itself down. The cinematography is very pretty, but simple. At times, camera moves are lost in the story, which is a very good thing. The score is simple, as well. It doesn't really get out of control and show itself off, but it holds the emotion of the story, which is important. All in all, a very good movie, touching, light-hearted and interesting.

• Cameron J

  
  Is a disability joke too tacky here? I may as well, no one's heard of this movie, so they won't get it anyways. The film is crippled by a lack of development, slow spots and some abrupt major events. Of course, the film's biggest flaws are the predictability and… More
  Is a disability joke too tacky here? I may as well, no one's heard of this movie, so they won't get it anyways. The film is crippled by a lack of development, slow spots and some abrupt major events. Of course, the film's biggest flaws are the predictability and sentimentality. The dramatic aspects are cliche and feel almost as corny and manipulative as this paragraph feels forced. Probably the worst thing about it is that it got darker and more manipulative until the bit emotional ending came and left me a bit depressed. Still, the film is supported by fine dialogue and strong characters. Also, something worth discussing is the film's being pretty dang funny. Now, I'm not saying that disabilities are funny, but they are. No, I'm kidding. Of course that's a deal of the humor in this, but it doesn't feel offensive, mostly because it's balanced out by the snappy writing, fine timing and sharp delivery behind it. Of course, if this isn't your humor, then in the immortals words of the great Co-Host 3000: "Don't tell me your problems." Of course, what are very likely the brightest stars on the pros list are, well, the stars. Steven Robertson gives us a moving and reasonably authentic potrayal of a cerebral palsy patient and doesn't go too far over-the-top, a very real and easy-to-make mistake when taking on a role like this. Granted, it's not a Leonardo DiCaprio in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" caliber of disability acting, but what is? Boy, after that movie, I don't think I'll ever see a mental disability movie ever again without comparing. Yeah, like I don't talk about DiCaprio enough. Of course, you can expect to see a lot of James McAvoy for being such a fine, notable actor, particularly in here. He's so careful to not break the illusion that he is mostly paralyzed and does an incredible and believeable job at transitioning between his fun-loving, cool-guy personality and his suffering from his situation. All that remains is but one question: "What title for this movie am I going with?" I'm gonna say "Rory O'Shea Was Here" because this movie is manipulative enough without the title "Inside I'm Dancing". We get it, you're fortunate on the inside. But seriously though, "Rory O'Shea Was Here" may be predictable and likely to leave you a bit down in the dumps, but is carried by its snappy writing and remarkable performances and is ultimately a pretty decent portrait of uncovering happiness beneath misfortune.

• Duncan R

  
  I love this movie... it's been awhile since I've seen it, though, so I'll need to watch it again before I launch into the official review...

• Jason R

  
  Steven Robertson and James McAvoy are amazing! The film isn't quite fully realized. It left me wanting more, to be honest. I will however be watching this every now and again. Just because I enjoyed the performances that much.

• Daisy M

  
  The Irish movie, Inside I am dancing was just a brilliant moving picture about two disabled guy who in a short period of time build up a friendship. The plot revolved around a wheelchair guy Micheal who has lived his entire life in a disable care-house. He could not move his hands… More
  The Irish movie, Inside I am dancing was just a brilliant moving picture about two disabled guy who in a short period of time build up a friendship. The plot revolved around a wheelchair guy Micheal who has lived his entire life in a disable care-house. He could not move his hands perfectly and his speaking was not understandable.Then came Rory, played by James McAvoy, a rebellious young guy whose body was almost paralyzed but he could speak normally. A truly beautiful movie that nearly broke my heart, with excellent acting from the two lead roles that perfectly portray the attitudes and emotions of disabled people.

• Lovable M

  
  This was a good movie. Depending on how you look at it, it can either tug at your heart strings or just come off as a really cute movie.

• John A

  
  'Inside I'm Dancing' isn't a masterpiece, but the key to the film's success is that it doesn't have to be. It's seemingly simple, yet really an emotionally complex look at the world through the eyes of those with disabilities, but it doesn't… More
  'Inside I'm Dancing' isn't a masterpiece, but the key to the film's success is that it doesn't have to be. It's seemingly simple, yet really an emotionally complex look at the world through the eyes of those with disabilities, but it doesn't conform to the stereotypical cliche's of overcoming some great struggle with pride and dignity. It's instead an amazingly real, sometimes brutally honest account of what makes people different, and how this label is as subjective as you or I make it. The acting is outstanding here, but it's Romola Garai as the characters able-bodied friend who really stands out, mainly due to being the most interesting and thought-out character - she seems fully formed whereas the other two only have ideas of who they are meant to be. Still this is a minor fault, as the script is often witty and amusing, and the film is well thought and well made - it finds a balance between humour and sensitivity, and never becomes soppy or too melodramatic. We admire it's truthful nature, different approach and inspiring story, even if we have seen this story before - because you have very different thoughts by the final act than those past films had to offer. If you're not discouraged by the sensitive issues of the film - which is totaly counteracted by the script - then there is a film here for just about anyone, and a good film that is more than worth watching.

• FanGirl B

  
  When I read the description I didn't want to watch it, but James McAvoy was in it so I gave it a shot. It turned out to be a really charming film.

Read all 14 featured audience ratings