Ladies and Gentlemen, it is rare that I get to review something Ireland-related, but this is one of those times. A pint of Guinness and the famous brewery are synonymous with Ireland, nearly as much as the Catholic Church, GAA, and the Irish language.
The doors to the brewery are iconic. I’m sure all native Dubliners would know their location.
This series is a work of fiction, inspired by real events. Set in the 1880s, following the lives of the grandchildren of the founder of the brewery after the death of their father. It was created by the same people as “Peaky Blinders”.
The scenes of old Georgian Dublin are quite simply mesmerizing. It is recognizable, and yet so different. Unfortunately, much of Georgian and old Viking Dublin was later demolished. It captures Ireland and Irish people well, but there are times when it’s easy to tell the pure fiction.
An example is the opening fight scene at a funeral. That would never happen – Irish people love funerals, much better to silently say poisonous mutterings. It wouldn’t make for great TV, though, except as comedy, perhaps.
Anthony Boyle delivers a standout performance as Arthur Guinness, portrayed as a cunning, intelligent, and fierce individual. He happens to be gay, a criminal offence of a grave nature at the time, which adds to the intrigue.
This is a great drama. If you have Netflix, watch it tonight. If not, get it tomorrow.
Five stars out of five from me.
