Celtic Utopia (Útóipe Cheilteach)

(dirs. Dennis Harvey & Lars Lovén)

By: Adam Freed

Irish history is rich in revolutionary spirit.  For almost a thousand years there has been a strong sentiment in opposition to colonial rule across the Emerald Isle.  Going back as far as the Anglo-Norman Invasion of the 12th Century, the culture of opposition to oppression has been percolating in Ireland.  In the 21st century this division manifests itself through borders, with Northern Ireland remaining part of the United Kingdom, while the Republic of Ireland steadfastly flies the flag of independence.  Celtic Utopia (Útóipe Cheilteach in its native Gaelic) is a modern music documentary with the beating heart of revolution.  Focusing on the deeply rooted culture of Irish Folk Music, or Trad (traditional) for short, directors Dennis Harvey and Lars Lovén offer forth a delicately balanced film that honors the cultural traditions of Gaelic musical history, while demonstrating the generational significance of its preservation.

At its apex, Celtic Utopia offers forth a rich stew of folk music and stunning images of the Irish countryside.  Beneath the inviting exterior of Harvey and Lovén’s film is the raw open wound of a fading culture desperately clinging to its relevance.  If this conflict sounds vaguely familiar, it was impactfully located at the heart of Rich Peppiatt’s wonderful comedic drama Kneecap (2024).  Just as Peppiatt’s rowdy Irish hip-hop trio battled censorship and an ever-present colonial influence, Celtic Utopia acts as a peaceful reminder that the old ways and musical influences are a necessity.  The message that permeates throughout the documentary is that the removal of cultural history leads to a homogenized future.  Despite the unmistakable feeling that the film lingers a little longer at times than may be needed, there is a rightful stubbornness in Celtic Utopia that seems to cry out its intention to be heard.  With each note that emanates from the banjos, Irish bagpipes and fiddles present in Celtic Utopia, reminders of an ancient culture of revolution waft slowly and melodically across the majestic Irish landscape, hopefully never to be forgotten.

Target Score 6.5/10 - Rich in musical Irish history, poignant documentary Celtic Utopia tells the tale of the revolutionary movement in modern Ireland to preserve Gaelic language, culture and music.

Celtic Utopia is included in Movie Archer’s coverage of the 61st Chicago International Film Festival