Young actors on song in stark drama

SET IN a church-run reformatory school in Ireland just before the start of World War II, Song for a Raggy Boy stars Aidan Quinn as William Franklin, the first lay teacher at St Jude’s Reformatory School.

Initially shocked by the daily violence and abuse the boys have to endure, Franklin is determined to bring some hope and comfort into their desperate lives.

Despite his good intentions, not everyone is pleased with Franklin’s efforts.

School prefect Brother John (Iain Glen) believes the boys only understand one thing — strength, which he liberally doses out with his leather belt. Some of the scenes involving Brother John’s particular brand of religious vigour are hard to watch.

Brother John is joined in his orgy of abuse by Brother Mac (Marc Warren), whose interest in the boys is more sexual. He takes a particular interest in one boy, Patrick Delaney (Chris Newman) who he repeatedly rapes.

The stage is set for a fairly predictable good versus evil showdown, but the fact that it’s all based on a true story adds a lot of emotional impact.

The real stars of the show are the young actors who, despite their lack of acting experience, manage to bring the suffering of these pupils to life. John Travers excels as Liam Mercier, one of Franklin’s favourite pupils.

Director Aisling Walsh said this was one of the most difficult roles they had to cast, and they couldn’t have made a better choice. Chris Newman is equally impressive as Patrick Delaney, the victim of Brother Mac’s pederast desires.

The only thing that lets the film down is the contrived and cheesy happy ending.

Drama, 15. 4/5