Latest news with #AnGhigMhór
Irish Independent
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Today's top TV and streaming choices: The Last Irish Missionaries, American Gangster and Apocalypse in the Tropics
An Ghig Mhór RTÉ One, 8pm The final episode focuses on singer and guitarist Síomha's efforts to help young up-and-coming band Coolboy organise a gig in their hometown of Portlaoise. The Last Irish Missionaries RTÉ One, 9.35pm With its future in doubt, Bryan Dobson and Dearbhail McDonald examine the history of the Irish missionary movement. The two-part programme begins by tracing its origins, and meets some of those who dedicated their lives to the cause. The Veil RTÉ2, 10.30pm New spy thriller written by Steven 'Peaky Blinders' Knight. Elisabeth Moss plays Imogen Salter, an MI6 agent who goes undercover to help the CIA learn the truth about a suspected member of ISIS. American Gangster TG4, 9.30pm Director Ridley Scott's crime drama is loosely based on the life of 1970s drug smuggler Frank Lucas. Denzel Washington plays the villain, with Russell Crowe as Det Richie Roberts, the man trying to bring him down. Apocalypse in the Tropics Netflix, streaming now Where does governance end and doctrine begin? To put it another way, at what point do the lines blur between democratic rule and religious rule? This isn't an anatomy of what's devolving in North America right now, but rather what's already happened in South America. In her new documentary, Brazilian filmmaker Petra Costa returns with a penetrating look at how Christian evangelical movements have gained powerful influence over Brazil's political system. With remarkable access to both sitting president Lula and former president Bolsonaro — plus one of Brazil's most prominent televangelists — the film dives into the spiritual and strategic alliances shaping modern Brazil. What emerges is a tense portrait of a nation where apocalyptic beliefs mix with political ambition. Costa, known for her Oscar-nominated The Edge of Democracy, again captures a country in flux with raw honesty and clarity. One Night In Idaho Prime Video, streaming now In late 2022, a fatal stabbing attack involving four university students rocked a small Idaho town, drawing national attention. An explosion of social media sleuthing, a cross-country manhunt, a dramatic arrest, and a looming trial made this crime one of the most high-profile stories of the last decade. Foundation AppleTV+, streaming now Season 3 returns to Apple, with new episodes dropping every Friday through to September 12. Inspired by Isaac Asimov's celebrated books, the saga follows exiles fighting to restore civilisation as an empire collapses. The Crossbow Cannibal Prime Video, streaming now Keeping things super light on Prime Video this week, we also have a profile of Stephen Griffiths, who created his own deadly persona in the hope of following in the footsteps of his idol — serial killer Peter Sutcliffe. Fifteen years after Griffiths's arrest, this documentary revisits one of Britain's darkest criminal cases. Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story Disney+, streaming now National Geographic dives into (apologies) the legacy of a legendary film with this Laurent Bouzereau documentary, tracing its journey from book to enduring pop culture phenomenon. If the tween in your life has been counting down the days, they'll probably already know that Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires is also now available (be warned, it's a musical). Oppenheimer Netflix, streaming now Finally, the wait is over. Anyone who failed to catch it in the cinema back in the heady summer of 2023 can now view it on whatever device they please. Speaking of German-related drama, Brick, an atmospheric number with Danny Boyle vibes, is also available. Building The Band Netflix, streaming now If The Circle and The Voice procreated and were imbued in a cocoon of cringe. If this is too much schmaltz for you, then the second season of 1923 might be a better fit.
Irish Times
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Live Aid at 40: Bob Geldof emerges from this less sanitised version of events seeming somehow more admirable
For the past four weeks the Irish-language music series An Ghig Mhór (RTÉ One, Monday) has chronicled the fortunes of various up-and-coming musical acts as they put on a big gig in their hometown with help from veteran artists such as the folk singer John Spillane and Rónán Ó Snodaigh of Kíla. This week's subjects are the Connemara band Na hEasógaí, who fuse sean-nós with contemporary rock, and say they take their name from the seanfhocal 'chomh craiceáilte le mála easóg', or 'mad as a bag of weasels', on the grounds that they, themselves, are 'a bit mad'. If one were moved to pick holes in this self-diagnosis, the show provides many opportunities. As we watch them discuss their craft, scope out venues and attempt to negotiate a generator for a knockdown rate, Na hEasógaí appear to be almost parodically well-adjusted young men. Quiet, diligent and suffused with altar-boy politeness, they're a charming trio, filled with wide-eyed delight at the prospect of staging their first big gig, whether that be in a gym with coin-slot power supply or in a distinctly malodorous fish factory. READ MORE To aid them in this endeavour they are joined by Tebi Rex, a Maynooth rap duo who quickly find themselves beguiled by the band's earnestness and dedication, even if the two groups' musical leanings appear to share little common ground. What follows is an amiable journey towards what might be termed nanostardom, in which the band scout stages and transport for the gig, and attempt to drum up publicity by handing out flyers dressed (somewhat) like weasels. An Gig Mhór: Na hEasógaí. Photograph: RTÉ It is, in short, a microcosm of the scrabble and indignity involved in promoting your art as a young person, but also of the irreducible thrill of so doing. It's not exactly punk film-making, and anyone looking for a whiskey-soaked, blood-splattered paean to hardcore DIY music would do better returning to their battered copies of Legs McNeil's Please Kill Me or Simon Reynolds's Rip It Up and Start Again. This is resolutely gentle telly, filmed with all the anarchic energy of a weather forecast, but its style and tone work well for what is, essentially, a disarmingly astute chronicle of the admin and obstacles for any kid out there with three chords in their head and a couple of pals to play them with. In the 20 years since I last found myself palling around with teenage friends, trying to put on gigs featuring our (much worse) music, it's alarming to see how much, and how little, has really changed. The tyranny of Spotify followers and the spectre of venue closures haunt this younger generation in ways we never had to deal with, providing umpteen hurdles that seem wearily intractable for those of us whose musical lives and deaths belong to a predigital age. But the central dilemma of putting your art in front of people seems as familiar as ever, even in a show that gets around most of these problems by having an RTÉ film crew and a successful rap group take on some of the heavy lifting. None of this dims Na hEasógaí's passion at any stage, of course, and they charge through technical difficulties and venue changes with an unbreakable belief that their audience will be found, and that they'll be left satisfied. Maybe that resolve comes from youth, or perhaps you really do have to be mad as a box of weasels to believe it, but An Ghig Mhór is here to tell us that if you build it, they will come. At the risk of placing their efforts in the ha'penny place, it's 40 years this week since another self-possessed Irish man called around a few pals and decided to put a gig together. You might be forgiven for thinking we didn't need another documentary about Live Aid, the seminal movement of records, concerts and fundraising that has since begat dozens of anniversary events and releases, and at least as many films, dramatic re-enactments and, last year, a jukebox musical on the West End stage. But Live Aid at 40: When Rock'n'Roll Took on the World (BBC Two, Sunday) makes a compelling case for just one more go around one of the best-documented events in cultural memory. The early beats of this series – the first two parts of which aired last week, with another to air this Sunday – will be familiar to anyone who has been alive for the past four decades: Bob Geldof's visceral reaction to Michael Buerk's reporting from the Ethiopian famine in 1984; the slow but steady progress of turning that disgust into an unprecedentedly large charitable venture; and the artistic and logistical challenge of corralling the world's biggest pop stars into both a 'check your egos at the door' supergroup and the most ambitious series of live concerts ever mounted. Where this series differs is in its slightly more holistic approach to the story, placing the experiences of Ethiopians somewhat closer to centre stage and examining, if patchily, the broader context of international uninterest, cold-war politics and distribution issues that complicated relief efforts at the time. We hear from figures as diverse as an Ethiopian farmer, Woldu Menameno; Dawit Wolde Giorgis, an Ethiopian aid minister; and Rony Brauman of Médecins Sans Frontières – none of whom, thankfully, has much to say about the perils of getting Boy George on a Concorde from New York so he can make it to the studio in time to sing on the Band Aid single. Instead they offer refreshingly clear-eyed critiques of the movement's messaging and the occasional, and irrefutable, paternalism with which it was enacted, not least Geldof's sweary interactions with Ethiopian government figures, the questionable absence of black artists from Live Aid's Wembley shows and the titular query posed by Band Aid's seminal Christmas number one. Was it tactful, we may reasonably ask, to wonder whether people in Ethiopia, perhaps the oldest Christian nation on the planet, knew when Christmas was? Even amid the story's better-known early beats, there's stuff here I'd not previously seen. Geldof's tale of attending a swanky soiree in London shortly after first seeing Buerk's reporting is one I've heard before. I had not, however, seen footage of this very party, in which he can clearly be overheard saying, in real time, how 'gross' it is to be eating canapes with socialites while others elsewhere starve. Seeing it in the flesh seems absurd, a moment in time so weighted with everything that came after, it almost beggars belief that it was captured. And there is real emotion. At one point in the first episode, Geldof breaks down in tears while recalling the guilt he felt about being marketed as a white saviour during his trip to Ethiopia, when Do They Know It's Christmas? came on the radio. Through tears, he repeats words that feature several times in the programme: 'rage and shame'. Live Aid at 40 is, at times, a survey of Geldof at his most driven and visionary, but also at his most pugnacious, even arrogant; a portrait that deploys fewer of the standard messianic safety nets afforded to him by previous films, and gives his critics, and their context, a valuable right of reply. The result, counterintuitively perhaps, is a series of films that gives audiences greater reason to admire him, and the incredible things Live Aid really did achieve, than a dozen more hagiographical documentaries ever could.
Irish Independent
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Today's top TV and streaming choices: Nationwide, The Story of Gaelic Football and Inglourious Basterds
Nationwide RTÉ One, 7pm The first edition of the show's Summer Holiday series explores Co Waterford's stunning Copper Coast, named after the mines that operated in the area during the 19th century. Presenter Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh meets some intriguing locals while travelling along the 25km coastal route, including an environmental artist and a seaweed forager. An Ghig Mhór RTÉ One, 8pm Hip hop duo Tebi Rex help rising band Na hEasógaí — who perform a fusion of rock, traditional Irish and world music — organise a gig in Conamara. Hell for Leather: The Story of Gaelic Football RTÉ One, 9.35pm Cora Staunton, Jim McGuinness and Jack McCaffrey reveal how important the support of their local communities was in helping to drive forward their sporting careers. There's also a trip to Northern Ireland, where players past and present discuss how the game managed to survive during a century of strife. Inglourious Basterds TG4, 9.30pm Quentin Tarantino's wartime adventure stars Brad Pitt as the leader of a group of Jewish soldiers on a mission to kill as many Nazis as possible. Christoph Waltz co-stars in an Oscar-winning role. All The Sharks Netflix, streaming now If you're wondering, 'Why all the shark-related viewing of late?' Well, the simple answer is that we're currently in the run-up to July 14, which is Shark Awareness Day. This summer also happens to be the 50th anniversary of Jaws, so one should expect an inordinate level of shark-themed programming over the coming weeks. A lot of it, however, does seem somewhat at odds with itself. For instance, last week saw the release of Shark Whisperer, which featured a herd of conservationists expressing concern about people, like Instagrammer Ocean Ramsey, interfering with endangered sharks. Now, Netflix is proffering an almost oxymoronic competition show, where conservationists infiltrate the oceans to tick all the sharks off their assigned apex predator bingo cards. If you favour more traditional shark viewing — ie. without a nigh-dystopic gameshow element — Sharks Up Close With Bertie Gregory has landed on Disney+. Heads of State Prime Video, streaming now Have you ever considered a parallel universe where Idris Elba is the UK prime minister and John Cena is the US president? Well, now's your chance! For context, their 'special relationship' is under threat on account of their huge egos, but — once confronted with a common adversary — the pair must learn to rely on each other.
Irish Independent
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Today's top TV and streaming choices: The Bourne Ultimatum, Crime Scene Cleaners and Shark Whisperer
An Ghig Mhór RTÉ One, 8.30pm The latest established musician lending their expertise to an up-and-coming band is Wyvern Lingo member Karen Cowley, who performs under the name of Krea during her solo career. She takes rockers The Hex from Leixlip under her wing. The excellent Australian crime drama based on the novels of Chris Hammer is back for a second season. This time reporter Martin (Luke Arnold) unearths terrifying secrets during a rare visit to his home town with his new partner Mandy (Bella Heathcote). Continues on Tuesday. Crime Scene Cleaners Channel 4, 10pm Not for the faint-hearted, this new series follows groups of cleaners who have one of the world's most gruesome jobs — clearing up the mess left behind by violent crime. The first episode features the discovery of a body in rural Kent and two grisly murders from across the USA. The Bourne Ultimatum TG4, 9.30pm Espionage thriller in which Matt Damon reprises his role as Jason Bourne. He finally regains his memory, only to discover he's been targeted by a CIA director (David Strathairn). Shark Whisperer Netflix, streaming now Whether you deem her a social media opportunist or a 'changemaking' conservationist, you can't quibble with the (literal) name Ocean Ramsay has made for herself. Melding striking visuals with a close character study, the film dissects the ethical and ecological dilemmas at the heart of environmental activism. Perspectives from scientists, indigenous voices, and conservationists — on all sides — reveal the complexity of Ramsay and the issues she raises. Squid Game Netflix, streaming now Brace yourselves… In the wildly anticipated third and final season of Squid Game, Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae, aka player 456) returns. Haunted by incremental loss, he's determined to end the deadly competition once and for all. His clash with the enigmatic Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) escalates into a (surprise, surprise) grave battle of strategy and morality, as new games and old enemies collide. With the expected level of twists — including a baby being added to the mix and the viral Gachapon craze (plastic vending balls to you) putting in a pivotal appearance — the stakes are high. As surviving players face progressively brutal choices, the line between justice and tainted vengeance increasingly blurs. Can humanity survive the harshest reality? As the world awaits the final answer, writer-director Hwang Dong-hyuk promises a powerful conclusion to the global phenomenon. I think we'll be the collective judges of that. The Charles Ponzi Story AppleTV+, streaming now We've all heard of Ponzi schemes, but what do you know of their namesake? He was a broke immigrant based in 1920s Boston, who rocketed to wealth and infamy in mere months by orchestrating what would become known as the infamous scheme, one of history's boldest financial frauds. For more stories inspired by true events, try Smoke starring Taron Egerton, John Leguizamo and Greg Kinnear.
Irish Independent
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Today's top TV and streaming choices: Death in the Desert, The Bourne Identity and The Buccaneers
An Ghig Mhór RTÉ One, 8pm Songwriter and musician Rónán Ó Snodaigh steps up to help five-piece band Leevy from the Múscraí Gaeltacht organise a major gig. In 1979, British nurse Helen Smith was found dead in suspicious circumstances after falling from a balcony in Saudi Arabia. Here, director Keely Winstone uses previously classified government documents to explore whether the truth was covered up at the time. Hell for Leather: The Story of Gaelic Football RTÉ One, 9.35pm The legendary Mick O'Connell takes centre stage this week, expounding his own legacy as well as the future of Gaelic football. Also profiled is Sister Pauline Gibbons, whose pioneering spirit in the 1970s helped pave the way for female stars such as Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh, Juliet Murphy and Noelle Healy. The Bourne Identity TG4, 9.30pm Smash-hit adaptation of Robert Ludlum's novel, the first in a blockbusting franchise. Matt Damon stars as a mysterious assassin who is suffering from amnesia. Murderer Behind The Mask Prime Video, streaming now True crime isn't just the purview of Netflix, you know, and this Prime Video offering about Elaine O'Hara and Graham Dwyer hits particularly close to home. It highlights how An Garda Síochana meticulously pieced together the truth, turning an overlooked case into one of Ireland's most haunting murder trials. Back in September 2013, the remains of childcare worker O'Hara were discovered in the Dublin mountains. Initially believed to be a suicide, her case took a twisted tangent when fishermen stumbled upon crucial evidence leading to Dwyer, a respected architect who lived in Foxrock with his wife and kids. Beneath his carefully crafted facade lurked a secret life fuelled by a dark stabbing obsession, revealed through his disturbing text exchanges with O'Hara. Over the course of two 45-minute instalments, this Wag Entertainment-produced series purports to uncover how the investigation unfolded and the tragic story behind Elaine's murder. The Waterfront Netflix, streaming now From the makers of Dawson's Creek and Scream, we have this deliciously ridiculous number inspired by true events. It centres on the Buckley family, who have ruled Havenport, North Carolina, for decades. Now, with their patriarch, Harlan (Holt McCallany), recovering from multiple heart attacks (not helped by his predilection for impromptu punching sessions with his son), they resort to drug smuggling courtesy of a surprising face (belonging to Topher Grace). For more glossy, far-fetched US drama, season three of Manifest is now streaming. The Buccaneers AppleTV+, streaming now Apple's answer to Bridgerton (but with bonus Americans) is here with its second season. Exploring the events leading up to the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire, this heart-rendering documentary reveals decisions by businesses and government that contributed to the tragedy. Somebody Feed Phil Netflix, streaming now This time, Phil visits Amsterdam, Tbilisi, Sydney, Adelaide, Manila, Vegas, Guatemala, San Sebastián and Boston, while enjoying a spot of bone gnawing with Ray Romano and Brad Garrett along the way. The Many Deaths of Nora Dalmasso Netflix, streaming now
