Powerful and realistic

Rating: 9/10 (23 November 2002)

I, as many others, grew up with the U2 song "Bloody Sunday" and knew vaguely it referred to some tragedy but never had a clear picture of what "Bloody Sunday" actually was. When I saw this film playing at a nearby theater, it grabbed my attention since I wanted to know more. I skimmed some reviews and it seemed pretty good. Now that I've seen it, all I can say is that this is an amazing and powerful snapshot of what happened on that day. It was quite a roller-coaster ride, tense the whole time as you know a horrific tragedy is about to unfold. The filmmaker shows us the characters up close and personal, from the Irish politicians trying to peacefully organize and resist the British, to the British soldiers who are sick of being shot at and dying here and there over time, without any chance at revenge. They are angry and hungry for blood. Most of the Irish people and their politicians try to embrace the ideals of MLK and Ghandi, but ultimately the few violent radicals amongst them bring an enormous, tragic and gut-wrenching response of force from the British. The faux-documentary style can at times be dizzying and disorienting, but this film looks and feels like it's made from 16mm shot in 1972. It really brings you there and gives a sharp edge of reality. The haunting image of a horribly shaken Irish leader, Ivan Cooper (played by James Nesbitt) as he staggers out while reading the names of the dead is one that won't leave you anytime soon. This film will also give you some understanding as to the anger of the IRA. Highly recommended to all, although it may be upsetting and confusing for young children. But everyone should know this history.