The Last of the High Kings

The Last of the High Kings, also known as Summer Fling, is a coming-of-age story that captures the quintessential ethereal essence of the 1970s. Produced by David Puttman and directed by David Keating, the movie's star-studded cast includes names like Catherine O'Hara, Jared Leto, Christina Ricci, Gabriel Byrne, Stephen Rea to mention a few.

Set in the backdrop of the picturesque suburb of Howth, in North County Dublin, the film offers beautiful scenic landscapes that enhance the overall appeal of the story. The plot follows the life of seventeen-year-old Frankie Griffin, brilliantly portrayed by Jared Leto, just after his school-leaving exams. A obsessively imaginative teenager with a flair for drama, Frankie paints a world around him that brims with the myths and legends of Ireland.

His summer turns into a whirlwind of experiences when he finds himself audaciously misled by the familiar aspects of adolescence; vivid milestones of first loves, wild partying, and the heart-wrenching angst that weaves itself into the tapestry of his last, exhilarating, yet complicated, summer of freedom.

Catherine O’Hara plays the role of Cathleen, Frankie’s eccentric mother. Displaying a heartwarming blend of idiosyncrasies and affection, O'Hara eloquently portrays the complexity involved in being a zealous parent, while coping with her own experiences and tribulations. Christina Ricci, on the other hand, plays an American visiting Ireland, Erin, with a captivating charm and infuses the unpretentious narrative with a hint of charismatic allurement, exploring the fascinating dynamics her character shares with Frankie.

Gabriel Byrne, apart from being Frankie's idealistically romantic, absentee father, also serves as the film's narrator. He brings a unique allure to the role, effortlessly revealing the intricacies of the character he embodies. Stephen Rea brilliantly portrays the character of a feckless but lovable stoner, gaining the audience’s affection with his delightful rendition.

The movie is based on the 1991 novel of the same name, written by Ferdia Mac Anna. By dint of an accurate and intricate exploration of the 1970s era, Mac Anna crafted a compelling narrative that was a testament to the times of innocence and transition. The novel's narrative is adapted to the cinema with an impressive fidelity that allows the audience to seamlessly navigate the intricacies of the plot while resonating with the characters. The movie grapples with universal themes such as love, freedom, the struggle to grow up, and the ever-persistent quest for identity.

The soundtrack, a harmonious blend of the 1970s rock 'n' roll music, adds an exhilarating edge to the film, substantiating the outlandishness of the era that the movie seeks to portray. The cinematography deserves a special mention for capturing the enchanting vistas of Ireland, which makes one feel as if they are part of the picture-perfect frames. The use of such spectacular visuals is not merely ornamental; instead, it enhances the narrative by resonating with the characters' emotional evolutions.

The Last of the High Kings is a cinematic delight for those who relish movies glorifying the imperfections of adolescence and celebrating the essence of youth. With its beautifully layered narrative, stellar performances, heart-warming humour, and a profound depth of emotional insight, the film allows the audience to take a nostalgic plunge into the magic of youth. It effectively draws you into its narrative and entwines you in its disruptive, often overly dramatic, yet stunningly real story, making it a must for lovers of coming-of-age dramas.