"The Commitments" performers who embody the biggest charm of band movies, "holo bitterness"

Those who made a dramatic comeback, and those who passed away. After the cast

So, what have the cast members who appeared in "The Commitments" been up to since then? They too have different fates.

Andrew Strong, who played Deco, and Robert Arkins, who played Jimmy, went on to pursue careers as musicians immediately after the movie. Strong had a successful career as a musician, releasing multiple albums and touring with the Rolling Stones and Elton John. Immediately after this work, Arkins had the Being There to record his own work in the United States, and although he also worked as a composer and producer, he is currently continuing his steady acting career.

Perhaps the most vivid comeback in the film world was Glen Hansard, who played the band's founding member Outspan on guitar. While active with the band " The Flames ", in 2007 he appeared in the movie "ONCE " which became a hit all over the world including Japan. `` Once on a Street Corner in Dublin '' became so beloved that it was made into a stage musical (by the way, ``The Commitments'' was also made into a stage musical and continued to be performed in London). Hansard has also participated in film soundtracks, contributing songs to a number of films including `` Dear Me '' (2010) and `` Sing Street '' (2016).

The three women who served as the chorus are continuing their acting careers steadily. Maria Doyle, who plays Natalie, who Jimmy has feelings for, appears in ``Sing Street'' as the main character's mother. He has also played important roles in American TV series such as ` `Dexter '' and ``Orphan Black .'' Bronagh Gallagher, who plays Barney, has also appeared in popular works such as `` Pulp Fiction '' (1994), ``Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace '' (1999), and `` Sherlock Holmes '' (2009). Although it is not a big role, his unique facial features are the same as in ``The Commitments'', so he is easily recognized. Angeline Ball, who plays Imelda, is also active as a regular in three TV series in 2017 alone.

“The Commitments” © Photofest / Getty Images

On the other hand, since ``The Commitments,'' some members have had no connection to acting, and Michael Ahern, who plays the piano player Stephen who becomes a doctor after the band disbands, seems to be making a living as an engineer. Dick Massey, who played drummer Billy, has no idea what his career will be like after this film.

Johnny Murphy, who played the eldest Joey, who was later described as having no idea where he was, passed away in 2016 at the age of 72.

Due to the popularity of the film, the cast of The Commitments formed a band and toured several times. 27 years have passed since its release, and such reunions of the band are a thing of the past, but if you watch the movie again while reminiscing about the paths each of them took, you will notice that the biggest charm of band movies, the ``bitterness'', is exceptionally strong. It must be something that makes your heart tighten.

References: “The Commitments” Theater Program Production Notes

Text: Hiroaki Saito

Became freelance in 1997, contributing movie reviews and interview articles to various media such as movie magazines, theater pamphlets, and movie sites. The column is constantly updated on Yahoo! News. Star Channel's program "GO! Theater" introduces the latest released works.

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