The Snapper (1993)

97% of critics liked it
(31 reviews)
84% of users liked it
(2,787 ratings)

The Snapper is Stephen Frears's adaptation of the second book in Roddy Doyle's Barrytown Trilogy. The Curley family is a poor but eccentric and loving Irish family. Oldest daughter Sharon (Tina Kellegher) announces she is pregnant, but refuses to reveal the identity of the father to anyone. Her… More The Snapper is Stephen Frears's adaptation of the second book in Roddy Doyle's Barrytown Trilogy. The Curley family is a poor but eccentric and loving Irish family. Oldest daughter Sharon (Tina Kellegher) announces she is pregnant, but refuses to reveal the identity of the father to anyone. Her father, Dessie (Colm Meaney), is supportive, but begins to chafe at the derisive gossip aimed at his family and his daughter. This leads to a confrontation between the two that is, like the rest of the movie, simultaneously funny and sad. The family waits in the hospital as Sharon gives birth to the snapper (Irish slang for an infant). The other books in the Barrytown Trilogy were also adapted into films featuring Colm Meaney as the father: The Commitments, directed by Alan Parker, and The Van, directed by Stephen Frears. Doyle had a hand in the screenplay for all three. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 30 min.
Directed By: Stephen Frears
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: Dec 3, 1993 Wide
On DVD: Dec 18, 2001
Studio: Miramax

Critic Reviews

Derek Elley, Variety
Casting and playing are uniformly tops, with special praise for Fionnuala Murphy as Kellegher's best pal, Ruth McCabe as the quiet, long-suffering mom, and the five kids as her loopy brothers and sisters.
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
Better-than-average sitcom stuff, enhanced by the lively performances, Doyle's own adaptation, and the able direction of Stephen Frears.
Charles Hagen, New York Times
A small, joyful lark of a film.
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
This rip-roaring Irish comedy is the freshest surprise of the season.
James Berardinelli, ReelViews
The marriage of humor and drama is admittedly imperfect, but it works well enough to occasionally spawn laughter and touch the heart, and there's a crucial scene between Colm Meaney and Tina Kellegher that is beautifully written, acted, and directed.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
The Snapper sees its characters with warmth and acceptance, and earns its laughs by being wise about human nature.
Kim Newman, Empire Magazine
At once realistic and idealised, this is a rare attempt to make drama of ordinary people doing the right thing.
, Film4
Gritty, charming and with a heart as big as the Emerald Isle itself.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Well written and directed, The Snapper celebrates common sense and human decency, qualities which triumph over prudishness and restrictive social mores.
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
Deeply affecting.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Intimate and effective little drama from Stephen Frears.
Rob Vaux, Flipside Movie Emporium
A charming Irish comedy in the same spirit as Waking Ned Devine. Colm Meaney is far funnier than his Star Trek credentials would suggest.
Luke Y. Thompson, New Times
I can't get enough of those wacky Irish, and this film's got plenty.

Read all 13 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Leo L

Hilarious! A brilliant movie about a family who go through the motions of everyday life. Colm Meaney is fantastic in this one! A great comedy! Simply love it!

Cast

            Colm Meaney as Dessie Curley

            Tina Kellegher as Sharon Curley

            Ruth McCabe as Kay Curley

            Fionnula Murphy as Jackie

            Pat Laffan as George Burgess

            Deirdre O'Brien as Mary

            Karen Woodley as Yvonne

            Eanna Mac Liam as Craig Curley

            Peter Rowen as Sonny

            Joanne Gerrard as Lisa

            Colm O'Byrne as Darren

            Ciara Duffy as Kimberley

            Brendan Gleeson as Lester

            Marie Conmee as Barrytown Neighbour

            Cathleen Delaney as Oul'one

            Sheila Flitton as Neighbour 2

            Jimmy Keogh as Barrytown Neighbour

            Rynagh O'Grady as Neighbour 1

            Sandy as Famine

            Joan Sheehy as Woman in Hospital

            Britta Smith as Woman in Police Station

            Stanley Townsend as Anaesthetist

            Ronan Wilmot as Paddy

            Jack Lynch as Policeman

            Leo Davis
            
            Dylan Tighe as Boy 1

            Stuart Dunne as Bertie

            Eanna MacLiam
            
            Peter Rowan
            
See full cast

The Snapper (1993)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

Leo L

Cast