Song of Granite is a biopic of the legendary Irish singer Joe Heaney, who was born in Connemara, Ireland in 1919. The film is directed by Pat Collins and is mostly set in the breathtakingly beautiful landscape of Connemara.
The film explores the personal and emotional journey of Heaney, from his early life in rural Ireland, through to his later life in the United States. The film is shot in black and white and is an almost meditative depiction of one man's soulful connection to his homeland.
The movie starts with a young Joe Heaney living in a small, rural cottage with his family. He grows up listening to the songs of his mother and grandfather, and soon discovers that he has a natural talent for singing. Heaney begins performing sean nós songs - songs sung in the old style - in local pubs and soon becomes known for his incredible voice.
The film follows Heaney through the highs and lows of his career, from performing in small Irish pubs to performing at larger Irish festivals. We see glimpses of his early family life, his journey to the United Kingdom and eventually to New York City, where he moved after being invited to perform at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965.
In addition to being a beautiful portrayal of the life of a music legend, the film is also a celebration of Irish culture and music. It features stunning traditional Irish music and some incredibly moving performances by Heaney himself.
Overall, Song of Granite is a deeply moving film that captures the spirit and soul of one of Ireland's greatest ever musicians. It is a must-watch for anyone with an interest in Irish music, culture and history.
