Angel (1982)
Neil Jordan's debut feature follows a saxophonist in Northern Ireland consumed by vengeance after witnessing a brutal double murder.
Angel - Movie Information
- Original Title: Angel
- Release Year: 1982
- Directed by: Neil Jordan
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Music
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 32m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 14, 1982 (Ireland), May 18, 1984 (United States - R), September 18, 1982 (Canada), June 1, 1984 (Germany)
- Alternative Titles: Danny Boy (ES), Angel (IE), Danny Boy (US), Straße der Angst (DE)
- Production Companies: Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, Film4 Productions
- Production Countries: Ireland, United Kingdom
Angel - Plot
Saxophonist Danny witnesses the murder of his band manager and a deaf-mute girl after a gig. Questioned by the police, he remembers only the orthopedic shoes of the killers' leader. So begins his quest to avenge her.
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Angel - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Neil Jordan
Main Cast
- Veronica Quilligan
- Stephen Rea
- Alan Devlin
- Peter Caffrey
- Honor Heffernan
- Lise-Ann McLaughlin
- Ian McElhinney
- Derek Lord
- Ray McAnally
- Donal McCann
Writers
- Neil Jordan
Producers
- Barry Blackmore
Angel - FAQs
What is Angel (1982) about?
Angel follows Danny, a saxophonist in Northern Ireland who witnesses the brutal murder of his band manager and a deaf-mute girl after a gig. Armed with only a memory of the killer's orthopedic shoes, he sets off on a darkly obsessive journey of revenge that pulls him deeper into violence.
Is Angel (1982) Neil Jordan's directorial debut?
Yes, Angel marks Neil Jordan's feature directorial debut. Jordan, already known as a fiction writer, brought a distinctly literary sensibility to the film. It launched his career as one of Ireland's most celebrated filmmakers, eventually leading to acclaimed works like Mona Lisa and The Crying Game.
Where can you watch Angel (1982)?
You can find streaming and viewing options for Angel (1982) on JustWatch, which lists all available platforms in your region. Availability may vary depending on your location, so it's worth checking for the latest rental, purchase, or subscription options near you.
Why was Angel released as Danny Boy in some countries?
The film was retitled Danny Boy for its US and Spanish releases, likely to avoid confusion with other films and to better connect with international audiences through the iconic Irish song of the same name. In Ireland and most other markets, it retained its original title, Angel.
Who are the main actors in Angel (1982)?
Stephen Rea leads the cast as Danny, the troubled saxophonist at the heart of the story. He's joined by Veronica Quilligan, Ray McAnally, Donal McCann, Peter Caffrey, and Alan Devlin. It was one of Stephen Rea's early major roles before his international breakthrough.
How was Angel (1982) received by critics?
Angel was warmly received as a striking debut, with critics praising Neil Jordan's atmospheric direction and Stephen Rea's compelling performance. The film was recognized for its moody, lyrical take on the Troubles-era Northern Ireland backdrop and its blend of thriller tension with a more poetic, introspective tone.
What is the age rating for Angel (1982)?
Angel is rated R in the United States, reflecting its mature themes of violence, murder, and revenge. The film deals with the dark undercurrents of conflict in Northern Ireland, making it best suited for adult viewers comfortable with morally complex, tension-driven drama.
What movies are similar to Angel (1982)?
If Angel resonated with you, try Mo' Better Blues (1990) for another music-world drama with dark undertones, or Cadillac Records (2008) for a gritty look at music and violence. Beats (2019) and Wild Style (1982) also explore music scenes with raw, street-level energy worth discovering.
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