Overview: The Shamrock Spitfire is the story of Irish fighter pilot Brendan “Paddy” Finucane, who at the age of just 21, became the youngest ever Wing Commander in the Royal Air Force, and one of its greatest and most celebrated fighter aces during World War Two.

DVD Verdict: In what is a beautifully shot, magnificently acted, and divinely hued portrayal of a time gone by (by everyone on screen), the future of Europe hangs by a thread as fierce battles rage in the skies over southern England.

With his dreams of being a pilot, Brendan Finucane (Shane O’Regan) is one of the first Irish men to enlist in the Royal Air Force – despite the fears of his loving mum (Emily Outred), dad (Eoin Lynch) and fiancé́, Jean (Bethany Billy), who all warn him about joining up with the British.

Keeping a hankie to hand at all times is most definitely a suggestion here as this wartime weepie will have them tear ducts emptying as it unveils its cinematic twists and turns, trust me on that. For Dominic and Ian Higgins’ RAF biopic is a monstrous undertaking of a bygone year, of a story lesswer told, and featuring Shane O’Regan as real-life pilot Brendan Finucane (also known as “Spitfire Paddy”) is a veritable home run of a movie watching experience.

Finucane actually still holds the record for being the RAF’s youngest ever wing commander, having been promoted to the position aged 21 and here we get to see why in all its majestic cinematic glory. A story told that shows bravery and commitment within a human quite like I have seen in the past decade, it’s not long before Finucane is given command of the 452 Australian Squadron – a group of bolshie Aussies led by loudmouth “Bluey” Truscott (Chris Kaye).

From then on in, and under his diligent leadership, this Squadron become the stuff of legend, for this infamous Battle of Britain is Finucane’s very own baptism of fire; and one where with his shamrock painted loud and proud on the side of his iconic Spitfire, he shines brightly like the natural-born fighter pilot he was ever born to be.

Official Trailer