Nothing but the truth

Rating: Null/10 (27 July 2011)

A little better than average dramatization about a true story involving a tragedy which not only involved the people accused but many others.
The story is basically a father and son story. Daniel Day-Lewis plays an immature man who was wrongly accused and convicted of murder, along with his father as a co-conspirator.
Bear in mind, that this story could have been told in many ways. It could have focused on the political aspects or it could have been told from the point of view of the bombing's victims, or rather their next of kin. That could have been a good film as well.
As it is, it's pretty good. Day-Lewis and Pete Postlethwaite give it their all but there are a number of sub stories that weigh the whole thing a bit down. For example, the IRA man responsible for the bombing. He is such a cliché character, the godfather within the prison, that distracts from the main story. He is merely a catalyst for making Postlewaithe look that much more sympathetic in the eyes of his son.
Secondly, the prison stuff drags on too long. We are hit over the head with what a depressing place this is. A few omissions would have been nice, especially the fight scenes.
Finally, the courtroom finale is utterly unexciting. Since it never happened the way it is portrayed, why not have a little fun with it. Emma Thompson is a good enough actor, but the performance definitely did not warrant an Oscar nomination and the judge could have had some better lines. Why not make him a bit more gruff? Other than these points there is enough to enjoy. The interaction between father and son is terrific. Plus an exceptional performances by the women in Day-Lewis' family. The grandmother, especially, is terrific.