Barbers Colm (Barry McEvoy) and George (Brian F. O'Byrne) think they've hit the big time when they take over the only existing Northern Ireland hairpiece franchise from a Bible-toting lunatic (Billy Connolly) who has been admitted to the asylum in which they work. As a Catholic and a Protestant working together, Colm and George think that they'll be able to serve bald men of both ilks, and will have the market conquered. But selling toupees isn't as easy as they think. To make matters worse, they have to contend with deadbeats, the IRA, the British Army, and, worst of all, a competitor--Toupee or Not Toupee--that threatens their exclusivity agreement. When their wig supplier pits Colm and George--who've deemed themselves The Piece People--against Toupee or Not Toupee to see who can sell the most hairpieces and win the Northern Ireland franchise, the race is on for clients. Bronagh (Anna Friel), Colm's feisty girlfriend, develops a creative sales plan that leads to both political and moral decisions for the partners. Despite its humor, Barry McEvoy's script incorporates the tensions felt between Catholics and Protestants in the 1980s. Barry Levinson's direction evokes the spirit and nostalgia of his Baltimore trilogy, which includes DINER, AVALON, and TIN MEN.
Theatrical release date: December 25, 2000.
Filmed in Belfast, Ireland and Dublin, Ireland.
Screenwriter and star Barry McEvoy based the story in part on his father's experiences as a barber and hairpiece salesman in Northern Ireland. The character Colm is based on McEvoy's father.
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case
Single Side - Dual Layer
Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.78
Letterbox - 1.78
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
Dolby Surround - English
DTS Surround 5.1 - English
Additional Release Material:
Trailers: Original Theatrical Trailer
Text/Photo Galleries:
Production Notes
Biographies: Cast & Crew
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Review 1:
"...The film is strong on wryly amusing details..."
Source: Total Film
p.97 04/01/2001
Review 2:
"...Deft touches abound..."
Source: Sight and Sound
p.47 04/01/2001
Review 3:
"...It's a comedy of high and zany spirits that effortlessly touches on matters of moral choice, reconciliation and forgiveness and the value of the generous gesture..."
Source: Los Angeles Times
P.F11 12/25/2000
Review 4:
"...Its own odd and quirky charm....The acting contains great energy..."
Source: Hollywood Reporter
p.20 12/19/2000
Review 5:
"...Considerable wit and rambunctious energy..."
Source: Box Office
p.67 03/01/2001
Review 6:
"...Wicked and cheeky..."
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
p.37 12/22/2000
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