Irish Republican Army Film Suggestions - Historum

Ealasaid · January 5th, 2013, 04:58 PM

I have always been facinated with the war between Ireland and England. When my daughter was young, we would read the newpaper for articles on the war. I fell in love with this topic when I seen the film "In the Name of the Father". Can anyone suggest films on this topic?

I know of the following films:

1. In the Name of the Father ~ directed by Jim Sheridan (8/10)
2. The Boxer ~ directed by Jim Sheridan (8/10)
3. Hunger ~ directed by Steve McQueen (9/10)
4. Michael Collins ~ directed by Neil Jordan (8/10)
5. The Wind that Shakes the Barley ~ Directed by Ken Loach (Have yet to see but will soon)

Please help me by suggesting more films on this topic.

Thank you!

**Toltec** · January 5th, 2013, 05:03 PM

The Crying Game - if you've not seen it it's the one movie in your life you should find out absolutely nothing about before you watch it.

**Lawnmowerman** · January 5th, 2013, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toltec

The Crying Game - if you've not seen it it's the one movie in your life you should find out absolutely nothing about before you watch it.

Agreed eventhe slightest internet search for this movie will ruin the suprise for you. And its a doozy

**Belloc** · January 5th, 2013, 07:43 PM

My Brother's War (1997) - IMDb
My Brother's War (1997) - IMDb

Watched this a few years ago.

**Davidius** · January 6th, 2013, 07:54 AM

The films you listed are all good, albeit with varying degrees of balance and accuracy.
I would warn you off The wind that shakes the barley though. It is a piece of bigoted crap. The Brits are moustache twirling villains delighting in their evil ways and the Irish are all brave, noble and honourable to a fault, little short of angels and martyrs. There are better films with more balanced perspectives out there, I suggest you try and find one of those instead.

Ealasaid · January 6th, 2013, 08:12 AM

I do not gather my opinion based on the films. I watch them as I find the subject interesting and want to understand many views of the topic. As far as my opinion of the situations goes, its already set.

Thank you for the suggestions. I hope I continue to get many more. I know there are many films out there unknown to the viewers of the United States.

**antonina** · January 6th, 2013, 08:52 AM

There's a play by Sean O'Casey "Shadow of the Gunman" which made a strong impression me (similarity to Polish history, probably) I know of a film under the same title, but I'm not sure if it's the same thing.

On second thoughts, O"Casey's play concerns more the Civil War, than the actual War of Independence.

If you want to read something to go with the movies, try Roddy Doyle's novel "A Star Called Henry" (about the Easter Rising)

Ulster Patriot · January 11th, 2013, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davidius

The films you listed are all good, albeit with varying degrees of balance and accuracy.
I would warn you off The wind that shakes the barley though. It is a piece of bigoted crap. The Brits are moustache twirling villains delighting in their evil ways and the Irish are all brave, noble and honourable to a fault, little short of angels and martyrs. There are better films with more balanced perspectives out there, I suggest you try and find one of those instead.

You are right in what you say,they all lean in the one direction and all giving a one-sided view.

I'm interested in what you say about ''more balanced perspectives out there''. Could you point me to where they are?

**annelouise17** · January 11th, 2013, 02:21 PM

If you can find it "Shake Hands With The Devil" with Humphrey Bogart.
"Some Mothers Sons" about the Hunger strikes
"Bloody Sunday" about the civil right march in Derry/LondonDerry

**Ancientgeezer** · January 11th, 2013, 02:34 PM

There is a TV miniseries of the book of the same name called "Harry's Game".
Possibly "Belfast Assassin" in other markets. Very gritty, no romantic hero twaddle. It shows just what brutal thugs walked the streets of Belfast, how the Army were brutalised in return and how ordinary folk were squeezed in the middle. It was made in 1982, during the worst of the troubles.