Films about Northern Ireland often delve into its complex socio-political landscape, marked by the Troubles – a violent, decades-long conflict involving nationalist/republican and unionist/loyalist groups, as well as British security forces. These films unravel the human stories behind the headlines, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and the quest for peace. They range from gritty dramas and political thrillers to insightful documentaries, shedding light on the unique challenges and the enduring spirit of its people.
“In the Name of the Father”, 1993
Director: Jim Sheridan
This film is based on the true story of Gerry Conlon, a man wrongly convicted of the 1974 IRA bombing in Guildford, England. It explores themes of justice and familial bonds, set against the backdrop of the Troubles.
Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Pete Postlethwaite, Emma Thompson, John Lynch, Mark Sheppard, Beatie Edney, Frank Harper, Britta Smith, Corin Redgrave, Gerard McSorley;
Production year: 1993;
Genre: drama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 133 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
More information about the film “In the Name of the Father” on the website imdb.com
“Bloody Sunday”, 2001
Director: Paul Greengrass
A dramatization of the 1972 massacre in Derry, where British troops shot and killed unarmed civil rights protesters and bystanders, marking one of the most tragic days in Northern Ireland's history.
Starring: James Nesbitt, Allan Gildea, Gerard Crossan, Mary Moulds, Carmel McCallion, Tim Pigott-Smith, Nicholas Farrell, Christopher Villiers, James Hewitt, Declan Duddy;
Production year: 2001;
Genre: drama, war, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 111 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “Bloody Sunday” on the website imdb.com
“Hunger”, 2009
Director: Steven Hentges
Directed by Steve McQueen, this film chronicles the life of Bobby Sands, an IRA member who led the 1981 hunger strike in the Maze Prison to protest the British government's refusal to recognize Republican prisoners as political prisoners.
Starring: Lori Heuring, Linden Ashby, Joe Egender, Lea Kohl, Julian Rojas, Bjorn Johnson, Britten Partain, Laura Albyn, John Cooley, Ian Hopper;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: horror, action, thriller, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 101 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,2;
More information about the film “Hunger” on the website imdb.com
“The Crying Game”, 1992
Director: Neil Jordan
This film is known for its unexpected plot twists and examination of themes like nationality, race, and sexuality, set against the backdrop of the Troubles.
Starring: Stephen Rea, Miranda Richardson, Jaye Davidson, Forest Whitaker, Adrian Dunbar, Breffni McKenna, Joe Savino, Birdy Sweeney, Andrée Bernard, Jim Broadbent;
Production year: 1992;
Genre: thriller, drama, melodrama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 112 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “The Crying Game” on the website imdb.com
“'71”, 2014
Director: Yann Demange
Depicting the story of a young British soldier who is accidentally abandoned by his unit following a riot on the streets of Belfast. Alone, disoriented, and very much unwelcome, he must survive the night and find his way back.
Starring: Jack O'Connell, David Wilmot, Sean Harris, Sam Reid, Richard Dormer, Charlie Murphy, Barry Keoghan, Paul Anderson, Martin McCann, Killian Scott;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: action, thriller, drama, crime, war;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 99 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “'71” on the website imdb.com
“Omagh”, 2004
Director: Pete Travis
A drama about the 1998 car bombing in the town of Omagh, this film focuses on the aftermath of the attack from the perspective of the families who were affected, exploring their grief and quest for justice.
Starring: Gerard McSorley, Michelle Forbes, Brenda Fricker, Stuart Graham, Peter Ballance, Pauline Hutton, Fiona Glascott, Kathy Kiera Clarke, Claire Connor, Gerard Crossan;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 106 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Omagh” on the website imdb.com
“Five Minutes of Heaven”, 2008
Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel
This film takes a different approach by focusing on the aftermath of the Troubles, looking at the reconciliation between a man who killed a Catholic during the conflict and the brother of the man he killed.
Starring: Liam Neeson, James Nesbitt, Mark Ryder, Diarmuid Noyes, Niamh Cusack, Mathew McElhinney, Conor MacNeill, Paul Garret, Kevin O'Neill, Gerard Jordan;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: thriller, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 89 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “Five Minutes of Heaven” on the website imdb.com
“Cal”, 1984
Director: Pat O'Connor
Tells the story of a young Catholic man living in predominantly Protestant Belfast. He becomes involved with the IRA but tries to leave it behind for love, exploring themes of guilt and redemption.
Starring: Helen Mirren, John Lynch, Donal McCann, John Kavanagh, Ray McAnally, Stevan Rimkus, Catherine Gibson, Louis Rolston, Tom Hickey, Gerard Mannix Flynn;
Production year: 1984;
Genre: thriller, drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 102 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “Cal” on the website imdb.com
“Mickybo and Me”, 2004
Director: Terry Loane
Set during the early 70s in Belfast, this poignant comedy-drama follows two young boys from different religious backgrounds who form a strong bond over their shared love for “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and their desire to escape the troubles of their own lives.
Starring: John Joesph Mcneill, Niall Wright, Julie Walters, Ciarán Hinds, Adrian Dunbar, Gina McKee, Susan Lynch, Laine Megaw, Barbara Adair, Hannah Carnegie;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 95 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Mickybo and Me” on the website imdb.com
“The Boxer”, 1997
Director: Jim Sheridan
Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, this film centers on a former Irish Republican Army volunteer who tries to rebuild his life after being released from prison and becomes a boxer, seeking a way out of the political turmoil surrounding him.
Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Emily Watson, Brian Cox, Ken Stott, Gerard McSorley, Kenneth Cranham, Daragh Donnelly, Frank Coughlan, Sean Kearns, Lorraine Pilkington;
Production year: 1997;
Genre: drama, melodrama, sport;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 113 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “The Boxer” on the website imdb.com
Films about Northern Ireland offer a window into its troubled past and the ongoing journey toward peace, viewed through diverse lenses by filmmakers who seek to understand its heartaches and hopes.
In conclusion, films about Northern Ireland offer audiences a profound, often gritty window into the complexities and emotional depths of its historical and contemporary struggles. From depicting the raw scars left by The Troubles to exploring the layers of personal and communal identity in a post-conflict society, these films harness the power of storytelling to navigate through the shades of political discord, sectarian violence, and the journey towards peace and reconciliation. Whether through the lens of drama, documentary, or black comedy, they not only bear witness to the resilience and spirit of the Northern Irish people but also contribute significantly to the broader dialogue on conflict, human rights, and the relentless hope for a harmonious future. By blending historical authenticity with universal themes of hope, loss, and redemption, these cinematic works remain indispensable for anyone seeking to understand the nuanced tapestry of Northern Ireland's past and present.
