52 out of 53 people found the following review helpful:

Wonderful, complex entertainment

A Customer from London, England, 12th January, 2006

Set in the 60's and 70's against the backdrop of the troubles in Ireland, Breakfast on Pluto follows the upbringing and early adult life of the unique illegitimate transvestite Patrick (Kitten) Brady, brilliantly acted by Cillian Murphy in a role which should win him awards aplenty. The chaotic colourful story shows the difficulties he has to face, but never seems to over-sentimentalise them, neither does the film fall into cliché, even when you expect it might. Instead, presumably because the story is told through the complex, compassionate Kitty, the film has real voice and character. It is a little chaotic and difficult to follow at times because of the strong Irish accents, but, despite its sometimes difficult themes, it is intelligent, unique, bright and colourful, and greatly entertaining without being camp. Neil Jordan has dabbled in the topic of transvestitism with a theme of the conflicts in Ireland before in the similarly excellently directed The Crying Game (and we are again treated to another performance by Stephen Rea), but in Breakfast on Pluto it’s the exhilarating ride that counts.

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26 out of 32 people found the following review helpful:

A real miss when it should have been a hit!

Steve Day from UK, 15th January, 2007

This isn't the easiest film I've ever sat through, and I have to say I thought it was a real disappointment. Something went wrong with this movie, and I felt like I had to put in as much work to follow the story as the crew and cast evidently did making it. So, whilst Breakfast On Pluto does eventually present a warm heart, it's not without a struggle. Which is a shame. After all, the story of a transvestite coming of age during the troubled 70s of Ireland and London, all set to a Glam Rock soundtrack should have been enough to be going on with. Yet, somehow the movie doesn't really flow, and ultimately sags under its own weight. The literature-evoking chapter device was too dominant, and even with it this movie feels like a fantastical mess. Some chapters last no more than a minute or so, are inconsequential, and come across as desperate bridging devices attempting to either fill gaps in the action or tame the galloping narrative. Granted, the project was obviously intended to work via the device, but in relying too heavily on it in the edit suite, the story jumps too much, and subsequently kills what could have been an engaging character piece. Cillian Murphy obviously put a lot of effort into his part, Liam Neeson is capable of so much more, and there's a fine supporting cast (including Bryan Ferry as a stunningly creepy tom). The art department went out of their way to evoke the times, and the nostalgia-friendly device of using overlooked glam-era classics should have been enough to make this a mainstream hit. Yet, sometimes the ingredients just don't bake enough to make a great cake... Worth seeing in a way, but only to dream of what it should have been.

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14 out of 14 people found the following review helpful:

Ohh fiddledeefee! How I adored this film!

Louisa Herridge from Lincoln, 24th May, 2007

May we introduce Patrick 'Kitten' Braden. The truely adorable and misunderstood transgender heroin of not -so- distant glittering times. In her own quirky narrative voice, Kitten leads us though her life, played out in the political hotbeds that were 1970's Ireland & London She is searching for 'The Phantom Lady' (her mother) who abandoned Kitten on the doorstep of a local priest (played by the glorious Liam Neeson) To tell you too much of what happens to Kitten on her search would ruin the films impact. However, seeing as you asked so VERY nicely darlings; I'll tell you... Love, Innocence, Glam Rock, Guns, Bombs, Magic, Glitter, Flames, Daleks & Wombles *shakes*... Confused.. you won't be. Cillian Murphy is PERFECT as Kitten. Truely 'gamine' & strangly pure, despite all the sadness that the character endures. I expressed on another site recently, that I was tired of people opting see films because their favourite 'teen dream' is in them. I was slated for my opinions then, but I will say again here - Yes girls, Cillian is beautiful and elfin to the highest degree, but if you see this film purely so you can stare at him, you are HUGELY missing the point. He can REALLY act. Yes REALLY. He is so capivating, funny and hopeful in this film. You'll end up loving him as a sister & clean forget what a pretty boy he is. I truely believe that often, a pretty lead is a curse in a film like this. The story and characterisation are what should make you love Kitten, not her pretty high cheekbones. To close, I'll tip my hat to Patrick McCabe & (My favourite director) Neil Jordan. Another wondrous tale like no other ..long may Mr Jordan reign. However, I must warn on the quietness of the dialogue! It is VERY quiet indeed, the sound mixer needed shooting. Put your subs on for this one, darlings..diddledeedee!

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11 out of 14 people found the following review helpful:

Confused

Gerry from Glasgow, Scotland, 30th January, 2007

An excellent cast, an expert director and a good story. It just didn't add up to a good film. I wasn't sure whether it was a comedy or a tragedy and the pace and 'effects' didn't help this confusion. I was almost ready to turn off but it did get better in the second half. This is a sensitive subject set against a very sensitive historical backdrop but ultimately it did not work...and I hated those damn talking robins!!!!

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Blooming Marvelous!!!

Keedee from , 17th March, 2010

This film is pure entertainment! Fantastic! It was a lot more than I expected it to be. The performances were just spectacular.Also, the sound track is wonderful! I can't say enough good things about this film. It's a MUST SEE!!!!!!

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Fine film

Jonlogical from , 14th March, 2010

Covers a nomber of contraversial issues, religion, terrorism, sexuality, politics. All the stuff not to discuss at a dinner table. It is a very nice and well acted film, definitley worth a watch.

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Interesting

A Customer from Brighton, 28th February, 2010

Where to start? Great acting and characters, especially from Cillian, but overall a bit annoying. The story is easy to follow, and broken into small chapters, keeping it poetic and arty. Some good insights into life of 70's N.I., but overall a bit of a washout.

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total rubbish

Zhanna from , 2nd February, 2010

wow, i have never been bored and shocked with the film so quickly. it is actually painful to watch. awful

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