I'm a huge fan of Colin Morgan, which is why I watched this. He's brilliant, as is Colm Meaney. The story is really bleak but very watchable. Mercifully, it's only 90 minutes! Worth watching for fans of these actors or of indie Irish films, but it won't be everyone's cup of tea.
16 Reviews
Tragic
mpc1969-110 October 2021
So many lives end up this way because those in the know still don't listen and admit to the signs.
Been given the right help is a lottery, too much talk and not enough action and certainly funds are not given enough here rather than to health factors who can help themselves a lot more.
Wake up world.
Been given the right help is a lottery, too much talk and not enough action and certainly funds are not given enough here rather than to health factors who can help themselves a lot more.
Wake up world.
To watch once it's okay
deloudelouvain1 June 2018
I wouldn't call Parked an excellent movie like some others on here but it's a good movie enough to watch once and that's about it. The story is okay but in my eyes it's been told a bit too slow. The homeless guy living in his car because of unfortunate circumstances with a heroin junkie as his neighbor also living in his car. You can have some sympathy for one and a bit lesser for the other. It's interesting to watch them becoming friends with all the differences they have, and to watch them struggle to get their life back on track again. Colm Meaney and Colin Morgan did a good job playing the two main characters. The movie could just have used a bit more tempo and a happier note but it is what it is. Not bad but not excellent.
Park yourself at the nearest cinema if you get a chance to see this
City-by-the-sea2 October 2011
A very moving film - a credit to the producers Ripple World and to a very talented cast. The story follows Fred Daly (Colm Meaney), an introverted and marginalized middle-aged man who returns to Ireland and ends up living in his car. He befriends a young homeless junkie, Cathal (Colin Morgan) and the two find comfort and a glimmer of hope in their low-key friendship.
Meaney gives a superb performance, walking the tightrope between sentimentality and cheap laughs without ever falling into either trap. He plays a man clinging to the last vestiges of normality, whether it be watering a plant or brushing his teeth, - a drowning man by the sea, clinging to the smallest pieces of debris to stay afloat. Morgan, best known as Merlin in the TV series of the same name, shows huge promise as a big screen actor.
Well written by Ciaran Creagh whose theatre background has given him a good ear for dialogue. Directed with elegant understatement by Darragh Byrne and with some beautiful photography from John Conroy including cinematic landscapes that lifted it away from potential TV-style relentless grimness.
If there is a single word for the movie, it is uncompromising. It takes a hard, unblinking look at lives on the margins but manages to retain its characters' humanity. I watched it at the LA Irish Film Festival 2011 and there were more than a few tears shed in the audience, which again is a credit to the film-makers in a world where shiny things and explosions usually dominate. For sure it is a slow burn, but all the more elegant for that. Full of sadness and pathos, but leaving the door open for a final sliver of hope to shine through. Bravo.
Meaney gives a superb performance, walking the tightrope between sentimentality and cheap laughs without ever falling into either trap. He plays a man clinging to the last vestiges of normality, whether it be watering a plant or brushing his teeth, - a drowning man by the sea, clinging to the smallest pieces of debris to stay afloat. Morgan, best known as Merlin in the TV series of the same name, shows huge promise as a big screen actor.
Well written by Ciaran Creagh whose theatre background has given him a good ear for dialogue. Directed with elegant understatement by Darragh Byrne and with some beautiful photography from John Conroy including cinematic landscapes that lifted it away from potential TV-style relentless grimness.
If there is a single word for the movie, it is uncompromising. It takes a hard, unblinking look at lives on the margins but manages to retain its characters' humanity. I watched it at the LA Irish Film Festival 2011 and there were more than a few tears shed in the audience, which again is a credit to the film-makers in a world where shiny things and explosions usually dominate. For sure it is a slow burn, but all the more elegant for that. Full of sadness and pathos, but leaving the door open for a final sliver of hope to shine through. Bravo.
Original
blumdeluxe26 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
"Parked" tells the story of a man who lost everything and now lives in his car. Things begin to complicate when he befriends a younger drug-addict and meets a woman he likes very much.
First of all I have to congratulate the producers for delivering an original story, that you haven't already seen multiple times. The movie contains many touching and moving scenes that reflect on life and how it can go and make you question your own way. At some points you notice that it did not have the budget of a blockbuster but in my opinion that's not a big deal. The only thing I didn't like are the racist things one of the characters brought up, even though this might be just a part of his character. However, they don't add to the story in my opinion.
All in all this is a movie that is refreshing among many clones and raises a few good questions without being loud or extrovert.
First of all I have to congratulate the producers for delivering an original story, that you haven't already seen multiple times. The movie contains many touching and moving scenes that reflect on life and how it can go and make you question your own way. At some points you notice that it did not have the budget of a blockbuster but in my opinion that's not a big deal. The only thing I didn't like are the racist things one of the characters brought up, even though this might be just a part of his character. However, they don't add to the story in my opinion.
All in all this is a movie that is refreshing among many clones and raises a few good questions without being loud or extrovert.
Ironically, I remained seated.
W011y4m526 June 2023
There's always something so comforting about returning to quaint, little, low-budget Indies from the UK or Ireland, I can't describe it... Despite the cinematic spectacle of gargantuan Hollywood blockbusters (flaunting super pristine, egregiously large production values with heavy corporate involvement / oversight), I believe there are endearingly charming quirks to be appreciated in the imperfections, borne from filmmakers lovingly crafting a tale with limited resources at their disposal - which I continually find myself preferring, personally.
If anything, the issues stemming from ambitious artistic creativity, warring against the restrictive confines of reality often ground the narrative in a feeling of authenticity that's seldom able to be replicated by high end production studios, specifically because prestigious projects - in their vain attempts to capture moments faultlessly (& in an unconvincingly American way) - deprive the majority of scenes exactly what makes them so relatable to us; their flaws.
"Parked" is a great example of this, proving my point (hence the verbose anecdote, preceding); stripped back, devoid of the US glitz & glamour we've typically grown accustomed to as audiences, focusing entirely on the substance of character - as opposed to superficial style, artificially rendered to usually compensate for a lack of it. No, rather than indulge in that increasingly tedious shallowness I've alluded to, the movie's just a really well told story - indeed, basic, yet undeniably effective - unfolding beautifully in a poignant, organically developing, bittersweet tale, balancing bleakness with a profound sense of hopefulness (possessing layers of depth, warmth & a sincerity in its depiction of humanity, I couldn't help but admire), making for an extremely rewarding viewing experience - due to how crushingly honest everything seems, from beginning to end.
Plus, Colin Morgan & Colm Meaney are both notably incredible here (Morgan in particular, arguably delivering one of the most devastating performances I've ever seen him give in his career - embodying a deeply tragic figure "Cathal", a homeless drug addict with a heart of gold - keeping "Fred", the protagonist, company as they take refuge in a car park by the ocean, using their vehicles as shelter whilst they search for properties to live in; his tortured mind tragically yearning for a place to call home, metaphorically & literally, incapable of finding his idea of solace in the world, nor reconciling with the events of the past, leading to a wrenching sense of separation; visualised through a nuanced, powerful imagining brought to the screen under the watchful eye of excellent director Darragh Byrne - however, what a double act), impressively capitalising off of the opportunity given by writer Ciaran Creagh (constructing such a rich emotional landscape for them to play in), bringing his script to life from the page, brilliantly.
Hence, although miniscule, it's poetically mighty - packing a punch, many bigger blockbusters fail to ever make.
Available on Amazon Prime in England. Definitely recommend & well worth your time, if you have it.
If anything, the issues stemming from ambitious artistic creativity, warring against the restrictive confines of reality often ground the narrative in a feeling of authenticity that's seldom able to be replicated by high end production studios, specifically because prestigious projects - in their vain attempts to capture moments faultlessly (& in an unconvincingly American way) - deprive the majority of scenes exactly what makes them so relatable to us; their flaws.
"Parked" is a great example of this, proving my point (hence the verbose anecdote, preceding); stripped back, devoid of the US glitz & glamour we've typically grown accustomed to as audiences, focusing entirely on the substance of character - as opposed to superficial style, artificially rendered to usually compensate for a lack of it. No, rather than indulge in that increasingly tedious shallowness I've alluded to, the movie's just a really well told story - indeed, basic, yet undeniably effective - unfolding beautifully in a poignant, organically developing, bittersweet tale, balancing bleakness with a profound sense of hopefulness (possessing layers of depth, warmth & a sincerity in its depiction of humanity, I couldn't help but admire), making for an extremely rewarding viewing experience - due to how crushingly honest everything seems, from beginning to end.
Plus, Colin Morgan & Colm Meaney are both notably incredible here (Morgan in particular, arguably delivering one of the most devastating performances I've ever seen him give in his career - embodying a deeply tragic figure "Cathal", a homeless drug addict with a heart of gold - keeping "Fred", the protagonist, company as they take refuge in a car park by the ocean, using their vehicles as shelter whilst they search for properties to live in; his tortured mind tragically yearning for a place to call home, metaphorically & literally, incapable of finding his idea of solace in the world, nor reconciling with the events of the past, leading to a wrenching sense of separation; visualised through a nuanced, powerful imagining brought to the screen under the watchful eye of excellent director Darragh Byrne - however, what a double act), impressively capitalising off of the opportunity given by writer Ciaran Creagh (constructing such a rich emotional landscape for them to play in), bringing his script to life from the page, brilliantly.
Hence, although miniscule, it's poetically mighty - packing a punch, many bigger blockbusters fail to ever make.
Available on Amazon Prime in England. Definitely recommend & well worth your time, if you have it.
Brilliant debut
pauleedee31 January 2011
Saw this beautiful movie yesterday on IFFR (google it) and was blown away by fantastic acting, a heartbreaking story and beautiful cinematography. I cannot say too much about the movie, since it speaks for itself, but I can say it depicts the situation of Ireland at the moment. Someone asked the director of the movie if the situation in Ireland as depicted was as bad as in the movie, he answered "maybe worse".
All in all this movie has grabbed me and my fellow viewers as a pearl. Camera standpoints are up close and personal and this really makes you part of the sad life of the main characters, never becoming melodramatic. To me, 9 out-of-10! If you're able to go see this movie; go! It's a beauty.
All in all this movie has grabbed me and my fellow viewers as a pearl. Camera standpoints are up close and personal and this really makes you part of the sad life of the main characters, never becoming melodramatic. To me, 9 out-of-10! If you're able to go see this movie; go! It's a beauty.
EFF This Movie !!!!
tigerbonewan21 May 2017
Just tried to watch it on video and gave up at the 25 minute mark. Why? Couldn't hear the dialog - even though there's not much, I cannot stand a movie in which I can't hear the dialog. You keep turning up the volume to try and catch what the characters are saying in their thick accents, and then suddenly, you're blasted with the background music. Why no subtitles on the DVD??? It really needs them. Maybe the dialog is supposed to be of no importance and the story is only supposed to be told visually. Don't care! If it's not a silent movie, I need to hear the dialog and you can't. If it isn't too low volume, then it's being drowned out by car engines or feet scuffling on pavement or some other background noise. I don't know how all the other reviewers found themselves so moved by this movie. The execrable sound recording job done on it totally ruined it for me and made the movie an unconditionally frustrating experience that I ultimately just gave up on.
A beautiful Film
sangitau200720 March 2012
It's not just a movie.It's a sad beautiful poem. I still can't get the characters (specially Colin's) out of my mind. The music is excellent ! I still have tears in my eyes whenever I remember Cathal's last moments :( . The only thing that I felt missing in this movie is a bit of details about both the character's past life. This is one of those movies which creates an ever lasting impression in a person's mind.It's heart warming and heart breaking. And one thing is sure Colm Meaney and Colin Morgan has made Fred and Cathal immortal with their strong performances. Hats off to them and also to all those who made this beautiful movie.
Good start
svader11 August 2022
I liked the look of this and the storyline sounded interesting
It is ok up to the first half then before you know it it is over with a poor ending.
I didn't care for either of the characters and didn't feel it was as harrowing as some are miking out. In fact I would say it was very weak in parts.
It is ok up to the first half then before you know it it is over with a poor ending.
I didn't care for either of the characters and didn't feel it was as harrowing as some are miking out. In fact I would say it was very weak in parts.
An Emotional Powerhouse
jm-stanley12 May 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Parked is a small, independent Irish film with a big heart and unexpected emotional punch. The film is a study of humanity, of keeping that humanity, and ultimately, how we need and depend on each other for any life that's worth living.
Colm Meaney gives a stand-out, restrained performance as Fred Daly, a man reduced to living in his car when he can find no work and no public aid. He parks his 'abode' in a public beach front parking lot, and he is obviously hanging on by a thread, using the comfort of routine to get him through day after dreary day. Until he finds himself with a neighbor, a young drug addict named Cathal who parks his 'home' in the same lot, and shows Fred how to snatch humor, and even joy, out of a seemingly hopeless existence.
What elevates this movie is the direction, the beautiful cinematography, a haunting musical score, but most especially the acting. As I said, Colm Meaney, who couldn't give a bad performance if he tried, is poignantly stolid as a man abandoned and alone, clinging to what little civilization he has left.
The real surprise is Colin Morgan, who plays drug addict Cathal. His performance is a wonder. He has taken a mostly unsympathetic character and imbued him with pathos and humanity. His performance shows, by turns, a jittery, sad, friendly, hopeful and ultimately, powerless and heartbreaking youth abandoned by all those who should care.
The story of Fred and Cathal and their unlikely friendship is the crux of the movie and told in an organic, decidedly non-Hollywood and non-contrived fashion. It grows naturally and is nurtured with care by the director who lets the story tell itself.
A beautiful film, poignant yet hopeful and well worth seeking out.
Colm Meaney gives a stand-out, restrained performance as Fred Daly, a man reduced to living in his car when he can find no work and no public aid. He parks his 'abode' in a public beach front parking lot, and he is obviously hanging on by a thread, using the comfort of routine to get him through day after dreary day. Until he finds himself with a neighbor, a young drug addict named Cathal who parks his 'home' in the same lot, and shows Fred how to snatch humor, and even joy, out of a seemingly hopeless existence.
What elevates this movie is the direction, the beautiful cinematography, a haunting musical score, but most especially the acting. As I said, Colm Meaney, who couldn't give a bad performance if he tried, is poignantly stolid as a man abandoned and alone, clinging to what little civilization he has left.
The real surprise is Colin Morgan, who plays drug addict Cathal. His performance is a wonder. He has taken a mostly unsympathetic character and imbued him with pathos and humanity. His performance shows, by turns, a jittery, sad, friendly, hopeful and ultimately, powerless and heartbreaking youth abandoned by all those who should care.
The story of Fred and Cathal and their unlikely friendship is the crux of the movie and told in an organic, decidedly non-Hollywood and non-contrived fashion. It grows naturally and is nurtured with care by the director who lets the story tell itself.
A beautiful film, poignant yet hopeful and well worth seeking out.
A big surprise
MartaLisaD27 September 2012
Warning: Spoilers
This film really surprised me. I found it purely by chance and I really liked it!
It contains a lot of layers but basically is the story of Fred (Colm Meaney), who is hinted to be a former alcoholic, and his struggling with addiction, personalized by the charming drug addict Cathal (Colin Morgan).
Quoting the first lines of Dante's Inferno AND the last line from the same, the film does nothing to hide the fact that Fred has reached the middle of his life and has indeed lost the right path, but that he manages to get to Purgatory with some help and guidance from the dead-to-society Cathal as his Virgil.
Furthermore, as mentioned above, there are lots of other layers to the story. For example Cathal also personificates youth, which Fred is leaving behind. And there's also the part about Fred needing to be honest about his (housing)situation before he can experience a change (very much in line with The divine Comedy). And there might even be some Beatrice to the piano playing Jules.
Another surprise to me was that the symbolism is abundant in this film, Fred repairs other peoples watches (people who are more or less "stuck in time"), Fred finally jumping into the pool, the fireworks, the line about "the leaf falling from the branch", the various religious items etc. etc. Surprisingly the symbolism never feels out of place in the film and never slows the pace of the story.
It's definitely a film that grows on you, and I won't hesitate to recommend it. A little warning though: It's very melancholic and it WILL make you feel sad.
Finally: All the actors are great in this and leads Colm Meaney and Colin Morgan deserve all the praise they can get. I haven't seen either of them in anything else than Parked but I very much want to now.
It contains a lot of layers but basically is the story of Fred (Colm Meaney), who is hinted to be a former alcoholic, and his struggling with addiction, personalized by the charming drug addict Cathal (Colin Morgan).
Quoting the first lines of Dante's Inferno AND the last line from the same, the film does nothing to hide the fact that Fred has reached the middle of his life and has indeed lost the right path, but that he manages to get to Purgatory with some help and guidance from the dead-to-society Cathal as his Virgil.
Furthermore, as mentioned above, there are lots of other layers to the story. For example Cathal also personificates youth, which Fred is leaving behind. And there's also the part about Fred needing to be honest about his (housing)situation before he can experience a change (very much in line with The divine Comedy). And there might even be some Beatrice to the piano playing Jules.
Another surprise to me was that the symbolism is abundant in this film, Fred repairs other peoples watches (people who are more or less "stuck in time"), Fred finally jumping into the pool, the fireworks, the line about "the leaf falling from the branch", the various religious items etc. etc. Surprisingly the symbolism never feels out of place in the film and never slows the pace of the story.
It's definitely a film that grows on you, and I won't hesitate to recommend it. A little warning though: It's very melancholic and it WILL make you feel sad.
Finally: All the actors are great in this and leads Colm Meaney and Colin Morgan deserve all the praise they can get. I haven't seen either of them in anything else than Parked but I very much want to now.
Excellent movie
noknow18 February 2013
(Sorry English is not my first language).
I put a 10 /10 because I haven't been able to watch "Parked" without feeling a deep compassion and empathy for Cathal O'Regan (played by Colin Morgan) and Fred Daly (played by Colm Meaney), the two leading roles of "Parked".
I watched this movie because of Colin Morgan (Merlin). I was curious to see him in a different kind of character than in Merlin (great show by the way). Watching "Parked" after "Merlin" shows how much Colin Morgan is capable of playing so many different emotions in a very realistic way, this is undeniably the mark of a very talented actor. It always amazes me how some actors are able to reproduce an incredible range of emotions with so much accuracy and realism, like if it were their own feelings. To be able to do this, they need to have a huge understanding of human soul I suppose. Colin Morgan give a very concrete life to the characters he plays, and this always in a subtle and intelligent manner.
"Parked" touched me and makes me remember that everyday we can see around us people like Cathal or Fred. We end up ignoring them like they were invisible, trying to forget that they are part of our society. But they are exactly like us, made of the same substance. We could be them. What can we said about a society where strong people crush the weak instead of helping them?
-------------------
If you like this movie, I also recommended you to watch "Island", a very good Irish movie with Colin Morgan (I already was a fan of Irish movies but now, after Colin Morgan, I'm going to be unbeatable on the subject!).
.
I put a 10 /10 because I haven't been able to watch "Parked" without feeling a deep compassion and empathy for Cathal O'Regan (played by Colin Morgan) and Fred Daly (played by Colm Meaney), the two leading roles of "Parked".
I watched this movie because of Colin Morgan (Merlin). I was curious to see him in a different kind of character than in Merlin (great show by the way). Watching "Parked" after "Merlin" shows how much Colin Morgan is capable of playing so many different emotions in a very realistic way, this is undeniably the mark of a very talented actor. It always amazes me how some actors are able to reproduce an incredible range of emotions with so much accuracy and realism, like if it were their own feelings. To be able to do this, they need to have a huge understanding of human soul I suppose. Colin Morgan give a very concrete life to the characters he plays, and this always in a subtle and intelligent manner.
"Parked" touched me and makes me remember that everyday we can see around us people like Cathal or Fred. We end up ignoring them like they were invisible, trying to forget that they are part of our society. But they are exactly like us, made of the same substance. We could be them. What can we said about a society where strong people crush the weak instead of helping them?
-------------------
If you like this movie, I also recommended you to watch "Island", a very good Irish movie with Colin Morgan (I already was a fan of Irish movies but now, after Colin Morgan, I'm going to be unbeatable on the subject!).
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Poignant Portrayal
deschaine-0563531 May 2020
What a stunning performance by Colin Morgan and Colm Meaney! Gives a close and personal look at two very prevalent problems in today's world. You fell in love with both for how each helped the other at a difficult time in their lives.
The Film that has changed my life
sandilo-265-65874418 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers
PARKED is such a remarkable and emotionally raw film; and Colin Morgan and Colm Meaney are Brilliant in their portrayal of the characters Cathal O'Regan and Fred Daly. It is a moving character-study. The first time I watched PARKED, it left me completely emotionally drained. It took me days to recover to a point were I could function in my day-to-day life. So much of this movie reflected parts of my own life once, so it hit me very close to home. This film has reminded me to not just exist ~~ but to LIVE!!! There is a scene where Fred and Cathal are sitting in the car overlooking Dublin and Cathal asks Fred if he has ever seen the actual moment when that leaf breaks from it's branch; if you don't know the outcome of the movie, I think this is the most telling scene. The allegory is simple and so breathtaking. And so incredibly sad. What kills me the most is the beauty lost in this young man. This is him, not only acknowledging that nothing lasts, but also him capable of recognizing and bringing out the most precious moments, seeing beauty and fragility in life. As fleeting as his own. Cathal's struggle with himself and the despair in his soul is indicative of many of whom go through this challenging arena called life.
Powerful film
leiaalderon17 February 2015
Warning: Spoilers
*May contain subtle spoiler*
I am not usually one to enjoy such emotional films, but since I like the work of Colin Morgan, I decided to give this one a shot. It was phenomenal. Colm Meaney was also brilliant in this film. It's a movie that all parents should have their teens watch to show them what drugs can do to a person and the heart-wrenching end result.
You could see how the two main characters helped the other change somewhat... even just a slight amount. Colin's character showed Colm's character how to break out of the routine he strictly followed. A perfect example of this was when he took "Fred" out in the car for a quick drive. And when "Fred" tried to get "Cathal" to exercise and become more responsible.
I enjoyed the added humour and the contrast between humour and intense emotional scenes. Colm and Colin worked incredibly well together.
A wonderful film I recommend to anyone, just have a box of tissues handy.
I am not usually one to enjoy such emotional films, but since I like the work of Colin Morgan, I decided to give this one a shot. It was phenomenal. Colm Meaney was also brilliant in this film. It's a movie that all parents should have their teens watch to show them what drugs can do to a person and the heart-wrenching end result.
You could see how the two main characters helped the other change somewhat... even just a slight amount. Colin's character showed Colm's character how to break out of the routine he strictly followed. A perfect example of this was when he took "Fred" out in the car for a quick drive. And when "Fred" tried to get "Cathal" to exercise and become more responsible.
I enjoyed the added humour and the contrast between humour and intense emotional scenes. Colm and Colin worked incredibly well together.
A wonderful film I recommend to anyone, just have a box of tissues handy.
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