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THE IRISHMAN is a story about James Regan, an immigrant on the run from English authorities who, seeking freedom and acceptance in Civil War America, fights for his new country. Through the struggles of war, we know that James has succeeded at the end of the movie when he is indeed free.
The Irishman is a story of James Regan. Escaping from the oppression of English occupied Ireland, he finds freedom in America. The story takes us from the infamous famine of Ireland to General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Courthouse. Based on the hand-written, personal diaries of the real Timothy J. Regan, this story blends his personal journey of growth and redemption with that of the great events of the United States through the mid 19th Century. This story is not only a search for freedom, but one of conflict between brothers. James and his brother Sean have long hated their English oppressors. Imprisoned in a workhouse and fearing death at the hands of English Soldiers, they flee to America. Arriving in Boston, James follows his path to freedom through hard work, perseverance, and belief in his new country. Sean becomes like his English oppressors and becomes a runner for the immense criminal Irish organization run by Boss Tweed; Tammany Hall. he seeks the "gold in the streets." When the Civil War comes, James joins an all Irish regiment. Fighting for his new nation, James begins to identify fully with his new country. Part of a social elite, Sean joins a Tweed - run cavalry unit dressed solely for parades. Captured by the Confederates, James is reunited with Sean at the infamous Libby military prison. Sacrificing his own needs to help his wounded brother, James keeps Sean alive until they are repatriated. Recovering in a Washington D.C. hospital, James finds love with another Irish immigrant Menta O'Hara. The final confrontation of the two brothers occurs at General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Courthouse. James recognizes that Sean will always look for the "gold in the streets" while he will always seek his freedom in his own heart.
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