The Commitments (1991) is a beloved Irish musical comedy-drama directed by Alan Parker, based on Roddy Doyle’s 1987 novel of the same name. Set in the working-class neighborhoods of Dublin, the film tells the raw, funny, and often heartbreaking story of a group of young misfits who form a soul band, dreaming of fame, success, and escape from their everyday struggles.
Detailed Summary
Jimmy Rabbitte’s Dream
Jimmy Rabbitte (played by Robert Arkins) is a young man with big ambitions and an even bigger love for music. Living in North Dublin, Jimmy is tired of cover bands and pop acts. He wants to bring something real to Ireland: soul music. Inspired by artists like Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett, Jimmy decides to form “The Commitments,” a soul band that’ll represent the Irish working class.
He starts by recruiting random locals—musicians, singers, and anyone who can hold a note—from a chaotic open audition at his house. The resulting lineup is a beautiful disaster of personalities: talented but volatile musicians, an egotistical lead singer, three soulful backup singers, and one mysterious older trumpet player with a murky past.
Building the Band
After a rocky start, The Commitments begin to find their sound. With rehearsals in a cramped garage and heated arguments about everything from song choice to who gets to sing lead, the band starts to gel.
Jimmy, acting as the band’s self-proclaimed manager, constantly reminds them of their mission: “The Irish are the Blacks of Europe.” He insists they channel their anger and frustration into soul music—the music of the oppressed.
The standout performer is Deco Cuffe (Andrew Strong), a rude but exceptionally talented singer whose powerhouse voice transforms the band’s energy. Despite Deco’s arrogance and constant fights, the group begins to gain attention from local audiences.
Tensions and Triumphs
The Commitments quickly develop a reputation in Dublin’s underground scene. Their gigs are wild, chaotic, and full of energy. Yet behind the scenes, egos start clashing. Joey “The Lips” Fagan (Johnny Murphy), the older trumpet player, claims to have performed with legends like James Brown and Wilson Pickett. He becomes a mentor figure—but also complicates things when he begins romantic relationships with several of the female backup singers.
As fame inches closer, the band’s chemistry begins to fracture. Money troubles, jealousy, and Deco’s obnoxious behavior create cracks in the group’s unity. The dream that once united them starts to crumble under the weight of personal ambition.
The Breaking Point
Their big break seems to come when Joey announces that Wilson Pickett himself might show up at one of their shows. The anticipation builds—this could be their moment. However, when the night comes, tensions boil over backstage. Fights break out, accusations fly, and by the end of the gig, The Commitments disband before they can ever record a proper album.
In the chaos, Wilson Pickett actually shows up—just a few minutes too late. He hears what’s left of their performance, but the dream is already over.
Movie Ending
The ending is bittersweet and perfectly in tune with the film’s realistic tone. After the band’s implosion, Jimmy reflects on what happened. Joey “The Lips” has disappeared again—possibly off on another “legendary tour,” or perhaps just gone for good. Deco is still singing in pubs, trying to hold onto his brief taste of fame. The backup singers have gone their separate ways.
Jimmy, sitting alone in his small apartment, daydreams about what could have been. In his imagination, he envisions The Commitments performing with legends like Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin. He narrates their “future” with tongue-in-cheek optimism, pretending that their story didn’t end in chaos.
It’s a poignant ending—funny, sad, and profoundly human. The band didn’t make it big, but for a brief moment, they captured something real: a spark of soul in the heart of Dublin.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, The Commitments does not have any post-credits scenes. The story concludes with Jimmy’s reflective narration and the closing music, leaving the audience with a mix of nostalgia and melancholy.
Type of Movie
- Genre: Musical Comedy-Drama
- Style: Gritty realism with humor, set against working-class life in Dublin
- Themes: Ambition, class struggle, the pursuit of dreams, the power of music
Cast
- Robert Arkins as Jimmy Rabbitte
- Andrew Strong as Deco Cuffe
- Angeline Ball as Imelda Quirke
- Maria Doyle Kennedy as Natalie Murphy
- Bronagh Gallagher as Bernie McGloughlin
- Johnny Murphy as Joey “The Lips” Fagan
- Dave Finnegan, Kenneth McCluskey, Glen Hansard, Félim Gormley, and Michael Aherne as other band members
Film Music and Composer
While The Commitments has no traditional film score, its soundtrack is the heart of the movie. The cast performed all the songs themselves, featuring classic soul hits such as:
- “Mustang Sally”
- “In the Midnight Hour”
- “Chain of Fools”
- “Try a Little Tenderness”
- “Take Me to the River”
The music was supervised by Gerry Bron and Alan Parker, with the cast performing live vocals—adding raw authenticity that helped make the soundtrack a global success.
The soundtrack album became a best-seller worldwide, and its popularity helped fuel a 1990s revival of soul and R&B music.
Filming Locations
The film was shot entirely on location in Dublin, Ireland, primarily in the working-class areas of North Dublin such as The Liberties and Drimnagh.
These gritty, realistic locations grounded the film in authenticity. The streets, pubs, and cramped apartments perfectly captured the atmosphere of 1980s Dublin—a city filled with frustration, humor, and hope.
Awards and Nominations
- BAFTA Awards: Won 4, including Best Film, Best Direction, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Editing.
- Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Film Editing, Best Sound, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
- Grammy Awards: Nominated for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Many of the actors were non-professionals and real musicians, chosen for their raw energy and authenticity.
- Alan Parker insisted that all songs be performed live, not lip-synced.
- Andrew Strong, who played Deco, was only 16 years old when cast.
- Glen Hansard (Outspan Foster) later gained fame for Once (2007) and his band The Frames.
- The film’s success led to two sequel novels and a stage musical adaptation.
Inspirations and References
The film is directly based on Roddy Doyle’s novel “The Commitments”. Doyle’s story was inspired by his experiences growing up in Dublin and his fascination with soul music’s emotional honesty. The novel and film both explore how working-class youth channel frustration into creativity.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
While no major alternate ending was filmed, some scenes were trimmed for pacing—especially during the band’s rehearsal sequences. Early drafts featured more of Jimmy’s family life and a slightly darker ending, but Alan Parker chose to leave audiences with a hopeful tone.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The film is very faithful to Roddy Doyle’s book, though it simplifies some subplots and characters. In the novel, there’s more emphasis on the band members’ individual backgrounds and post-band lives. The tone of the book is more sardonic, while the film leans into humor and music performance.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Jimmy’s chaotic at-home auditions (“I’m looking for musicians, not backup dancers!”).
- The band’s first rehearsal where Deco unexpectedly stuns everyone with his voice.
- Joey “The Lips” preaching about “soul” to the skeptical Irish musicians.
- The climactic concert where tensions explode backstage.
Iconic Quotes
- Jimmy: “Soul is the music people understand. Sure it’s basic and it’s simple, but it’s something else because it’s honest.”
- Joey: “I believe in the holy spirit of soul.”
- Deco: “I’m black and I’m proud… at least on the inside.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Posters of Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett can be seen in Jimmy’s room, foreshadowing the film’s ending.
- Joey’s stories about playing with famous musicians are likely fabricated—his trumpet case even has stickers from bands he “played with,” serving as a visual joke.
- The movie’s extras were real Dublin locals, adding to the film’s authenticity.
Trivia
- Alan Parker described the film as “a love letter to working-class Dublin.”
- The soundtrack sold over 12 million copies worldwide.
- The Commitments cast briefly reunited for anniversary concerts years later.
- Roddy Doyle went on to write two sequels: The Snapper and The Van, later adapted into their own films.
Why Watch?
Because it’s one of the most authentic, energetic, and hilarious depictions of music, dreams, and working-class struggle ever put on film. The performances are raw, the music is electric, and the humor is both Irish and universal.
The Commitments isn’t about making it big—it’s about the beauty of trying.
Director’s Other Movies
- Fame (1980)
- Pink Floyd: The Wall (1982)
- Mississippi Burning (1988)
- Evita (1996)
- Angela’s Ashes (1999)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Once (2007)
- Sing Street (2016)
- The Full Monty (1997)
- Billy Elliot (2000)
- A Star Is Born (2018)
- Blues Brothers (1980)
