One of the best Irish films of all time is airing on TV tonight The film featured a cast of largely unknown actors The film in question is part of the Barrytown trilogy (Image: 20th Century Fox ) One of the best Irish films of all time is airing on TV tonight (Saturday, May 3) for free across the UK. It’s been a brilliant few years for Irish film, with a number of the country’s movies achieving global success. ‌ 2023 saw The Quiet Girl nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 95th Academy Awards, becoming the first Irish film in history to do so. ‌ While they're currently in the headlines for their Coachella show, last year saw rap trio Kneecap’s self-titled film gross over $4.7 million at the worldwide box office. When discussing groundbreaking Irish films, it’s essential to look at the work of legendary author Roddy Doyle. Known for capturing the mindset of the average working class Irish family, Doyle’s work is held in lofty regards on Irish shores and abroad. Article continues below The Barrytown trilogy saw Doyle’s words and characters brought to life in what are some of cinema's best book adaptions. The Commitments is held in high regard around the world (Image: 20th Century Fox ) While The Snapper and The Van are also considered classics, it's the trilogy’s first entry that might just be its best. ‌ Titled The Commitments, the film follows Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins), a young music fanatic who assembles a group of working-class youths to form a soul band. Full of laugh out loud moments and an emotional story that will reduce you to tears, The Commitments’ success was in many ways down to its director Alan Parker. The English director has a stellar career, having worked on Bugsy Malone, Fame, Midnight Express and Mississippi Burning. ‌ Another reason for The Commitments being a hit is that its cast includes many people who aren’t traditionally actors such as Robert Adkins, Michael Aherne and Glen Hansard. By doing this, the film’s characters easily come off as authentic as they dream of achieving unimaginable levels of fame. Critics adore The Commitments just as much as viewers did, giving it an approval rating of 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. Article continues below Its critical consensus reads: "The Commitments is a vibrantly funny and blissfully heartfelt ode to the power of music.” The Commitments airs on Saturday, May 3, at 10pm on BBC Two and on the BBC iPlayer