I remember watching this film with my Mom when I was supposedly wayyy too young to see it, hence what many people who know me think is my now "radical indoctrination." I want to thank my Mom for that.
I feel that when I write reviews they are either cheap one-liners or a whole entire essay (more like eulogy considering I'll be 90 by the time I finish each) on the intricate connections to MY life in particular; apologies, this will be one of those but it isn't like anyone reads these.
I am half-Irish from my Mom's side and she is a prolific history buff, which from the other low-star reviews that I've seen of this film, you honest to God NEED the historical knowledge to take in the full appreciation. I can definitely see some of the criticism in what could be considered "IRA propaganda" because of how heavily it was focused on the violence against the IRA--both England and the Free State post-separation. However, this film is specifically documenting the experience of two fictional men in (or at least started in) the IRA. Nothing was marketed purely for its historical accuracy. It's also worth noting that the display of the Black and Tans was rather one-dimensional beyond just their massacres. I can see how skimming over some of the personal knowledge of the Black and Tans would irritate some more than others, but like I previously said, I'm Irish and I couldn't care less about the likes of the English (sorry).
Now for 'side' details: particularly the religious influences and artistic influences like score and general music. Once again, more with my Mom, I grew up learning hundreds of years worth of Irish theology from her, as well as the influences of the Catholic Church; for reference I'm Irish Catholic. So recently within the society that we live in I often find myself questioning somewhat the reality of Christ (crisis of faith ayeee) but specifically the hierarchy and systems within. I'll admit I really do not have enough knowledge on the systems within the church, but even that sliver of recognition for how the Catholic Church has historically always catered to aristocracy and the monarch, it felt seen. As for the music which somewhat ties in, there was something special about being able to recite every hymn, poem, and ballad--never even remembering where I learned them from. Something rather mythical about it.
I see most people praising Murphy, Delaney, and Cunningham for their performances, but I'd love to see some more recognition for Orla Fitzgerald who gives a gut-wrenching piece to the story. Her acting felt so raw and you can feel the passion, love, and agony that she shares for Damien, her family, and her homeland all through the screen. Seriously astounding.
So, so, so, SO glad that I picked this back up after too many years. Beyond just this film alone, I wouldn't be as radicalized and passionate about activism as I am today if it weren't for my Mom and her shared love for a culture fighting against being erased.
I remember watching this film with my Mom when I was supposedly wayyy too young to see it, hence what many people who know me think is my now "radical indoctrination." I want to thank my Mom for that.
I feel that when I write reviews they are either cheap one-liners or a whole entire essay (more like eulogy considering I'll be 90 by the time I finish each) on the intricate connections to MY life in particular; apologies, this will be one of those but it isn't like anyone reads these.
I am half-Irish from my Mom's side and she is a prolific history buff, which from the other low-star reviews that I've seen of this film, you honest to God NEED the historical knowledge to take in the full appreciation. I can definitely see some of the criticism in what could be considered "IRA propaganda" because of how heavily it was focused on the violence against the IRA--both England and the Free State post-separation. However, this film is specifically documenting the experience of two fictional men in (or at least started in) the IRA. Nothing was marketed purely for its historical accuracy. It's also worth noting that the display of the Black and Tans was rather one-dimensional beyond just their massacres. I can see how skimming over some of the personal knowledge of the Black and Tans would irritate some more than others, but like I previously said, I'm Irish and I couldn't care less about the likes of the English (sorry).
Now for 'side' details: particularly the religious influences and artistic influences like score and general music. Once again, more with my Mom, I grew up learning hundreds of years worth of Irish theology from her, as well as the influences of the Catholic Church; for reference I'm Irish Catholic. So recently within the society that we live in I often find myself questioning somewhat the reality of Christ (crisis of faith ayeee) but specifically the hierarchy and systems within. I'll admit I really do not have enough knowledge on the systems within the church, but even that sliver of recognition for how the Catholic Church has historically always catered to aristocracy and the monarch, it felt seen. As for the music which somewhat ties in, there was something special about being able to recite every hymn, poem, and ballad--never even remembering where I learned them from. Something rather mythical about it.
I see most people praising Murphy, Delaney, and Cunningham for their performances, but I'd love to see some more recognition for Orla Fitzgerald who gives a gut-wrenching piece to the story. Her acting felt so raw and you can feel the passion, love, and agony that she shares for Damien, her family, and her homeland all through the screen. Seriously astounding.
So, so, so, SO glad that I picked this back up after too many years. Beyond just this film alone, I wouldn't be as radicalized and passionate about activism as I am today if it weren't for my Mom and her shared love for a culture fighting against being erased.
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