MIT Lecture Series Committee

Rated R
93 minutes

Black Irish (2007)

Join us after the film for a Q&A with actor Tom Guiry!

Sixteen-year-old Cole McKay's (Michael Angarano) struggle for independence is put to the test as his South Boston Irish-Catholic family implodes around him. Older brother Terry (Tom Guiry) is descending into a life of drugs and crime, pregnant sister Kathleen (Emily VanCamp) is being sent away to cover the shame of unwed motherhood and Cole's father, Desmond (Brendan Gleeson), spends his days in a fog of alcohol and self-pity, silently torturing himself over what might have been. The one thing keeping young Cole's head above water is his love of baseball. A talented pitcher, Cole overcomes self-doubt and family indifference to fight his way into the state championships. To get there however, he must make a life and death decision, a decision that will change the McKay family forever.

The term "Black Irish" has also been used pejoratively to describe Irish people from hardscrabble roots: hard-drinking, brawling, of a lower class tracing back to the 19th century American sentiment "Irish Need Not Apply". [blackirishmovie.com]

This show is a FREE sneak preview! Admission is open to the general public! Tickets will be available beginning at 6 pm in Lobby 16, in preferred admission order. Arrive early for the best seats!