Still my favorite St. Patty's Day film

I just gave this gem another watch after what's probably been many years, and my love for it is still as thick as Guinness.

Sean Penn, Gary Oldman, and Ed Harris...what an ungodly trio. And the supporting cast? Flawless.

This movie manages to do what many similar films fail to...it makes you care for the characters. Gary Oldman in particular gives what I feel is an all-time great supporting performance as the substance-abusing, trigger-happy, yet steadfastly-loyal Jackie Flannery. Pesci from that year isn't even in the same league. Who's death hits you harder? Oldman is beyond brilliant, while Penn and Harris are also excellent. It's exciting watching this youthful, energetic display of acting fireworks. You have to wonder how fiercely the competitive juices were flowing.

The first-rate ensemble, cinematography, and haunting Morricone score...it's a dazzling confection of talent. The Quiet Man and The Boondock Saints can remain by the wayside, State of Grace will always remain my perennial favorite...while also retaining its place atop the totem pole as "best Irish mob film" (with a caveat from Miller's Crossing of course, coincidentally from that same year and also coincidentally featuring Turturro.)

Happy St. Patrick's Day

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