From the new generation of superstars like Emilia Clarke and Kit Harington, to the old guard of Maggie Smiths and John Malkovich, Isle of Man Film has attracted many British and international actors since the nineties. And some Manx talent emerged internationally, like Samantha Barks on Broadway and Amy Jackson in Bollywood.
While the Island’s strategy for the local media industry in broadcast, film and video has made a complete U-turn, from Isle of Man Film as a former film shooting location for one-off film projects, towards becoming a base for digital media companies to locate their business, we can enjoy now a couple of Manx made movies through Video on Demand. Interestingly for the UK and the Isle of Man all feature films are streamed on Amazon with one exception being available on Netflix as well. In case we have overlooked on movie, and the streaming platforms permanently update their video library, please contact us at info@34.77.144.24.
Go on and spot a bit of home on your next movie night on Amazon Video or Netflix!
Laurence of Suburbia 2018 (Amazon)
The production ‘Laurence of Suburbia’ stars Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen, best known for his BBC series Changing Rooms and DIY SOS. It takes a fresh approach to the TV makeover format, featuring houses where the history of the house and the location inspire the design. Laurence described Laurence of Suburbia as the ’ultimate make-over show’ which is the biggest he has done in the UK.
Mindhorn 2016 (Amazon)
“Calling all cars: genuinely funny British comedy on the loose, approach with enthusiasm.” Alison Rowat, The Herald (Scotland), Rotten Tomatoes. A tongue in cheek look at life, culture and policing on the Isle of Man through the eyes of has been actor Richard Thorncroft. Made famous in the 1980s series for his role as Mindhorn, suave detective with a robotic lie detector eye, Richards career and notoriety has all but disappeared. That is until he’s called upon to return to the island and assist local police force in catching a delusional serial killer who insists on only dealing with “Mindhorn” himself.
Take Down 2014 (Amazon)
British thriller filmed largely in the Isle of Man starring Jeremy Sumpter, Phoebe Tonkin and Ed Westwick. Spoiled and rebellious rich kids sent to a remote wilderness boot camp find themselves taken hostage for a one billion pound ransom. Rather than go along with the kidnappers demands they decide to band together and fight back.
Spooks the Greater Good 2014 (Amazon)
When a high profile terrorist escapes during what should be a routine handover, Harry Pearce (Peter Firth) Head of Counter-terrorism for MI15 is blamed. He and his protégé Will Crombie (Kit Harington) must do whatever it takes to prevent an impending London terror attack. A continuation from the British spy series Spooks.
The Christmas Candle 2013 (Amazon)
A heartwarming tale of triumph over turbulence when the modern world in the form of David Richmond, a young forward thinking minister, meets the traditional old world village of Gladbury. Christmas miracles guaranteed. Also Isle of Man bred and born multi-talent Samantha Barks is starring who is currently playing Pretty Woman at the Broadway in New York!
Camera Trap 2013 (Amazon)
A British film crew travel to a remote area of Central Asia intent on capturing what they think is a leopard attacking the local wildlife. What they find is much more terrifying. A documentary style horror full of homegrown Manx talent sure to deliver on the scares.
Robot Overlords 2013 (Amazon)
Robots have taken over earth in this children sci-fi adventure. Surviving humans are locked in their homes at the mercy of the Sentry and it’s up to a gang of children to save the world. “The secret to Robot Overlords is that it isn’t a big action thriller about a colony fighting evil robots, but it’s a family film about a group of young people mixing mischief with destiny …” Andrew Jones, HeyUGuys. Critics found the movie a rather witty family entertainment compared to sci-fis which have ten times more budget. Starring Ben Kingsley and Gillian Anderson.
Dom Hemingway 2012 (Amazon)
A British gangster thriller with a good dose of comedy, profanity and a side of violence. Dom (Jude Law), a career safe cracker, has been imprisoned for 12 years. Newly released he sets out to collect on the debt he is owed for his silence and to seek an ultimate retribution.
Belle 2012 (Amazon & Netflix)
Belle is the story of a mixed-race girl raised in aristocratic England in the 18th century. It focuses around her relationship with a young promising lawyer and examines the matters of race, class, politics and the struggle for equality of the era. Directed by Amma Asante this film proves that in the film business the narrative and production quality are more important than big names. It is the only film we found on Netflix as well.
Ashes 2011 (Amazon)
A gripping tale of two men reconnecting. Frank Barron, once hard man, is locked away in a care home with memory loss due to Alzheimer’s when he receives a visit from his estranged son James. James breaks him out to return him to his family and the journey reveals that neither man are really who they seem as the past comes to light. Starring Jodie Whittaker, the first woman to play Dr Who.
The Shadow Line 2010 (Amazon)
A BBC police detective mini series. Harvey Wratten, a high profile crime boss, has been murdered. Both sides of the line are seeking answers. Detective Inspector Jonah Gabriel assigned to the case and still suffering amnesia after a botched police operation, soon learns things are not what they seem and he can trust no one including himself as the lines of law are increasingly unclear.
Chico and Rita 2009 (Amazon)
Chico a young ambitious musician falls in love with the beautiful, talented singer Rita in Havana in the 1940’s and chases her to New York to win her love. An animated musical romance done in the style of the Latin bolero full of sweet, spice and heartbreak with a soundtrack to match. Winner of a Goya Award for Best Animated Film and nominee for the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, this film is well worth the watch.
The Disappearance of Alice Creed 2009 (Amazon)
Two ex-convicts meticulously plan the kidnapping of Alice Creed, millionaire daughter, played by Gemma Arterton. During her abduction an entangled connection between the three is revealed throwing all plans into chaos. R-rated, claustrophobic thriller.
Me and Orson Welles 2008 (Amazon)
Listed in the top ten independent films of the year by the National Board of Review, Me and Orson Welles, tells the tale of young Richard, played by Zac Efron, luckily assigned a part in the Broadway production of Julius Ceasar after a chance meeting with Orson Welles.
The Cottage 2007 (Amazon)
Two inexperienced criminals seek to make some quick money, kidnapping Tracey, daughter of an underlord crime boss and holding her for ransom at the cottage. While her father organises two hitman to follow her brother along with the ransom there’s another player about to enter. A psychopathic farmer. The real terror is about to start.
The Walker 2006 (Amazon)
Carter Page III (Woody Harrelson) plays a high society “walker”, paid to escort the wives of rich politicians to social events in this American British drama. When one of his client’s high profile lovers turns up dead, Carter is dragged into an investigation that delves into the dark and dangerous innermost levels of government power. A-lister cast with Lauren Bacall, Moritz Bleibtreu and Willem Dafoe.
Miss Potter 2006 (Amazon)
Renée Zellweger portrays Beatrix Potter in this biographical drama of the author of the bestselling childrens book series Peter Rabbit. Set in Victorian England, Miss Potter strives to overcome the chauvinistic culture of the time to seek success and happiness. “Miss Potter, right to the end, is the definition of a “nice” movie, and that makes it a genuine oddball in a universe of increasingly distressed and uncivilized pop culture.” Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly.
Fade to Black 2005 (Amazon)
Famous actor Orson Welles, moves to Italy to film the movie Black Magic after his marriage to Rita Hayworth falls apart. There he falls in love with a promising young actress on the set. When her stepfather, also an actor, is murdered during filming Orson finds himself more and more involved in an investigation fraught with danger and extortion.
Severance 2005 (Amazon)
This British-German horror/dark comedy begins with what is sure to be a boring team building weekend at a remote rundown forest lodge. It soon takes a turn for the worse when the group realises there’s a killer on the loose with a personal vendetta. The film didn’t do great at the box office, maybe the German sense of humour doesn’t export well?
Revolver 2005 (Amazon)
Conman and gambling shark, Jake Green, takes revenge for his recent jailtime by beating and humiliating crime boss Macha in a game of chance. Macha immediately decides to have Jake “taken care of”. Jake teams with Macha’s enemies for protection and finds himself involved in a game with ultimate stakes.
Chromophobia 2004 (Amazon)
A drama starring Penelope Cruz, Ralph Fiennes and Kristin Scott Thomas in which a wealthy, privileged family falls apart under the changing values of modern London society and their story as they struggle to change and rebuild.
Five Children and IT 2003 (Amazon)
Five children are sent away to live with their odd uncle by the seaside while their fathers at war and their mothers nursing the injured. They’re sure they’re facing a boring summer until they find a secret passage in the house that leads them to the last sand fairy alive. “Live this up, a wholesome family film this delightful doesn’t come by very often.” Joe Utichi on Rotten Tomatoes. Cast including Kenneth Brannagh and former kids star Freddie Highmore (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory).
The Boys and Girl from County Clare 2002 (Amazon)
Two estranged brothers find themselves competing against one another at the finals of the All Ireland Ceili band competition in County Claire in this Irish comedy drama. “An irresistible Irish comedy, lovingly told, beautifully acted and graced with the perfect balance of chuckles and bittersweet heartache. “ Sid Smith, Chicago Tribune, Metacritic. The film was nominated for Best Music at the Irish Film and Television Awards, won Andrea Corr from the famous band The Corrs, the Best Actress Award at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival. For lovers of Celtic music and good pint of Guinness.
Blackball 2002 (Amazon)
Ray Speight, time honoured British lawn bowls champion, is forced to pair up with his nemesis “Bad Boy of Bowls” Cliff Starkey to compete in the World Lawn Bowls Championship. The boys must put aside their differences to win in this classic sports comedy.
I Capture The Castle 2001 (Amazon)
A classic English novel come film told through the eyes of teenage heroine, Cassandra Mortmain. Living in a decaying castle, Cassandra accounts the events and actions of her eccentric family – Bill Nighy the icon of eccentricity – to save them from poverty and ruin in her diary. “Funny, sad, moving and, above all, astute, making I Capture the Castle a fabulous film. Even the cars are tasty.” Gregory Weinkauf, Dallas Observer, MetaCritic
Me Without You 2000 (Amazon)
This is the tale of the toxic friendship of two girls Natalie, unpredictable and unstable, and Holly, overprotected and reserved, over the 1970s and 80s. The girls grow up together experiencing all that life across the decades has to offer and the ever present obstacle of Holly falling in love with Natalie’s brother.
Relative Values 1999 (Amazon)
In this star studded comedy featuring Julie Andrews, William Baldwin, Stephen Fry and Colin Firth a man brings home his new fiancé to his mother, the Countess of Mashfield’s, disproval only to discover his new fiancé is also the estranged sister of the family maid. Throw in the arrival of a former jilted lover and chaos and hilarity ensues. The film was filmed largely at the Nunnery with scenes at Kirk Braddan features.
Thomas and the Magic Railroad 1999 (Amazon)
A child fantasy feature length film starring Thomas the Tank Engine and Alec Baldwin as Mr Conductor. The pair go on a quest to find more gold dust to help them return home to Sodor, meeting a young girl called Lily and many other magical characters to help them along the way. The book, which the world’s most successful train film franchise is based on, was actually inspired by a visit of the author Wilbert Awdry to the Isle of Man.
Dreaming Of Joseph Lees 1999 (Amazon)
Young star-eyed Eva is trapped in her small village life in 1958 England and dreams of art, travel and Joseph Lees, her father’s cousin who was injured in an accident working abroad. However, Harry, a pig farmer, is the only available suitor in her immediate view so they soon begin a relationship. That is until Joseph Lees arrives and a bitter love triangle begins.
Waking Ned 1997 (Amazon)
Ned Devine wins the Irish lottery but immediately dies of shock. Jackie O’Shea and Michael O’Sullivan devise a plan full of mischief, impersonation and mishaps to claim the money before the lottery officials learn the truth. “Charming performances and easygoing humour are the strengths of Jones’s enjoyable Oirish romp.” Trevor Johnston, Time Out, Rotten Tomatoes
Walks Around Britain (Amazon)
Andrew White and the team from Walks Around Britain highlight some amazing and often lesser traveled walks right here in our own backyard. All walks are 2-8 miles, relatively easy terrain for the average walker and reveal some fantastic stories about our Manx history and of course spectacular views a plenty.
TT, several titles (Amazon)
The world’s oldest, most famous and notoriously dangerous road race, the Isle of Man TT Race features in several titles on Amazon. Just search for TT.
Written by Richard Arning and Heather Hayes. Pictures: Isle of Man Film
Bettina has a broad expertise in TV and film production, international co-productions, acquisition, event management and business development and was decisive in developing international projects, closing global deals and executing major projects with some of the worlds leading institutions and brands.
Clark is the co-founder and CEO of Digital Circus Media.
Joan has been the formidable powerhouse behind the award-winning children’s charity Cinemagic for the last 17 years. She loves the magic of film and television and recognises its power to educate, motivate and inspire young people.
Over the years I think I’ve written three of these columns – I’ve been a ”Friend” in various places. Now as the nomad here is the fourth locations – A Friend in the Middle of the Irish Sea, although I suspect the headline will say “A Friend on the Isle of Man”.