3. The Commitments (1991)
The Commitments is a different beast to all of the other films on this list. It works as an incredibly powerful drama, an uplifting comedy, and a biting social commentary of life in Dublin in the early 90s. Based on the Roddy Doyle novel of the same name, The Commitments follows a man that is disillusioned with the Dublin music scene, so he gets together a band of misfits and forms a soul band with wonderful multi-faceted results. As with The Full Monty and its Sheffield setting, the desolate landscapes of inner city Dublin are wonderfully realised here, grounding the film in a reality that the previously-mentioned pictures simply don't. The audition scene in the lead character's living room is a grainy and excellent parody of The X-Factor, years before that crap actually stirred Cowell's loins. The comedic elements are handled with a deftness that is likened to being kicked in the nipples. However, the thing this film gets absolutely spot on above all else is the coming together beautifully onstage, and creating an experience of truly poignant music for the audience. Not only this, the almost ethereal and exotic magic of American soul music is brought to life in the dark and dinghy worlds of Dublin clubs. Except as soon as that last note fades to black, the animosity flares up and explodes in their faces offstage, and the film wonderfully highlights the tenuous balance that threatens to explode at all times. Again: the usage of real musicians in the title roles is an excellent addition to the aura of reality the film offers. The true revelation of the film, though, is 16-year-old Andrew Strong as the lead singer; his voice is titanic and full of unrefined raw power. The band itself still tours today, but with the original members mostly missing (although they did get together in 2011 to perform a 20th Anniversary tour - I saw it, and it was great). Plus, to the blonde backing singer: if for any reason you're reading this, my bed sheets will forever hold you in the highest regard. The Commitments truly wraps up the package of the dysfunctional band, and pays credence to the fact that behind every great note, there's an even greater 'F' word.