Film review - How To Cheat In The Leaving Certificate (1997)


Set in mid-90s Ireland, 'How To Cheat..' is an independent heist film bent on "taking on the system", which in this case is the department of education.  The movie sees central character Fionn on the verge of being kicked out of school following a decline in his own academic performance, as well as his friend Cian committing suicide after being caught cheating in his leaving certificate exams.  Assembling an ensemble team, masterminded by a journalist styling himself as a private detective, a plot is set in motion for Fionn to score top marks in the country then reveal how he went about it.

This picture boasts a unique look to contemporary features of the time.  Filmed in black and white with an oft-offbeat editing style, writer/director/producer Graham Jones uses a youth movement within an otherwise mature plotline boasting a fresh edge.  Camera work is subtly innovative making even transitional scenes feel important.  

Whilst at times sounding more like filler in place of dialogue or plot development, the soundtrack boasts fitting songs which capture moods that speak better than the characters themselves.  Only so much depth goes into the main player's respective and collective stories, with critical tension points only gently explored.  In fairness this ads to the film's mystique, leaving more questions than answers for the viewer. 

Cameos come from film financer Chris De Burgh, Johnny Murphy of 'The Commitments' fame, among other local stars of day, 'How To Cheat..' requires at least one viewing per year as an unashamed pleasure.  Its main strength is that its neither too long or short - saying all it has to say and getting out.

Here is a link for the full film below.  Enjoy.


https://youtu.be/f_Od5clyN0M

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