- Country: Ireland
- Initial release: April 22, 2010
- Film Director: Michael Creagh
- Running Time: 15 Minutes
- IMDB Grade: 6.6
In 2011, Michael Creagh’s heartwarming and quirky drama, “The Crush,” captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Short Film (Live Action), this 16-minute masterpiece tells the enchanting story of eight-year-old Ardal and his infatuation with his second-class teacher, Ms. Purdy. Set in Ireland, “The Crush” takes viewers on a delightful journey of young love and unexpected twists.
A Tale of Innocent Infatuation
Meet Ardal, the Romantic Dreamer
At the center of “The Crush” is Ardal, an eight-year-old boy with a romantic heart and an unwavering crush on his teacher, Ms. Purdy. Ardal’s innocent admiration for Ms. Purdy is endearing, and viewers can’t help but be captivated by his pure-hearted intentions.
Ms. Purdy: The Object of Ardal’s Affection
Ms. Purdy, played by the talented Olga Wehrly, is the epitome of kindness and beauty. Her portrayal perfectly balances the sweet nature of a teacher and the object of Ardal’s fascination. Wehrly’s performance adds depth to the character, making her the ideal recipient of Ardal’s affection.
A Dream Crushed
Just as Ardal gathers the courage to express his love by giving Ms. Purdy a toy ring, his dreams are shattered when he discovers that she is already engaged to her boyfriend. Rory Keenan’s portrayal of Ms. Purdy’s boyfriend adds a touch of mystery and unease, foreshadowing the challenges that lie ahead for Ardal.
Ardal’s Quest for Love
Inspired by Western Movies
Drawing inspiration from his favorite western movies, Ardal decides that the only way to win Ms. Purdy’s heart is to challenge her boyfriend to a duel. This unexpected twist showcases Ardal’s determination and imagination, bringing a touch of adventure to the story.
The Duel: A Surprising Turn of Events
As Ardal’s plan unfolds, viewers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions. The suspense builds, and Ciara Brophy’s skillful editing heightens the anticipation. The conflict between Ardal and his competition reaches a climax, leading to an unexpected resolution that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
The Oscar® Collection: Irish Academy Award® Nominated Shorts
“The Crush” is part of The Oscar® Collection, a selection of Irish Academy Award® nominated short films. This recognition highlights the exceptional quality of Michael Creagh’s work and solidifies “The Crush” as a must-watch film.
The Cast and Crew
Michael Creagh: The Visionary Director
Michael Creagh, born in Belfast, is the visionary director behind “The Crush.” With a background in design and advertising, Creagh embarked on a career in film and commercials. “The Crush” marks his debut as a director, showcasing his talent for storytelling and capturing the essence of young love.
Oran Creagh: The Charming Lead
Playing the role of Ardal, Oran Creagh delivers a remarkable performance that brings the character to life. His portrayal of the lovestruck young boy is both convincing and heartwarming, making him a standout in the film.
Supporting Cast: Adding Depth to the Story
Rory Keenan’s portrayal of Ms. Purdy’s boyfriend adds an element of mystery and tension to the narrative. His nuanced performance adds depth to the story and keeps viewers guessing until the very end. Additionally, the talented Neili Conroy, Charlie Bonner, and the young and aspiring actor, Jim Creagh, contribute to the overall success of the film.
Cinematic Brilliance
Captivating Visuals
“The Crush” is visually stunning, thanks to Jim Creagh’s exceptional cinematography. Each shot is meticulously crafted, capturing the beauty of the Irish countryside and enhancing the emotional impact of the story.
A Perfect Balance
Ciara Brophy’s editing plays a crucial role in building suspense and maintaining a perfect balance between the different elements of the film. The pacing keeps viewers engaged, while the seamless transitions between scenes create a cohesive and fluid storytelling experience.
Conclusion
“The Crush” is a heartwarming and entertaining short film that showcases the innocence and determination of young love. Michael Creagh’s directorial debut, combined with the exceptional performances of the cast, creates a memorable and captivating cinematic experience. While it may not have taken home the Oscar®, “The Crush” remains a gem in the realm of Irish Academy Award® nominated shorts. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and let yourself be enchanted by the delightful tale of Ardal and his quest for love.
The film was selected the Oscar Awards.And this film is a generally welcomed film all around the world.In the movie,the legend is youthful and he is a grade school student.He utilizes a gun,and discharge a firearm to a man who the kid have resentment against.So, I felt very horrible.Even assuming a kid is youthful in USA, he can have guns.It is very dangerous.I was shocked that he fires a weapon and he professes to kill the man by the gun,because of piddling matters.In the result,by doing this,the man doesn’t stop to marry.I was shocked at the kid’s vitality.In addition,in the movie,the foundations are exceptionally dull and melodies are utilized little.I got the feeling that the film was not calm.But,there are a lot of substance in the film. Therefore,I accept that the film is extremely great and I might want to observe once more and need to prescribe this to everyone.