Injustice and corruption

Rating: 6/10 (23 October 2005)

'In the Name of the Father' is a persuasive account of injustice based on a true story following the wrongful imprisonment of Gerry Conlon and others connected to him for a bombing of a pub in London set in the 1970s. Despite their innocence the British police are intent on using them as scapegoats against an ongoing battle with the IRA and use horrific methods such as torture to force them into falsely signing confessions. The story follows their attempts to clear their names and achieve justice in a world of corruption.
Injustice is brought up relentlessly throughout the film being one of the main themes among other themes such as corruption and family values.
The actors in this film, such as Daniel Day-Lewis (Gerry) and Pete Postlewaite (Giuseppe) represent their, at times complex, characters competently, and are matched by the satisfactory producing and directing of the film.
The film techniques are skilfully used in all aspects of the film. The film moves from past to present continuously as Gerry tells his story to Gareth Peirce, to emphasize their innocence and to set the storyline. Camera angles are cleverly used to bring sympathy towards Gerry and the others with regard to the helplessness they go through.
The music continuously sets the scene and delivers the right atmosphere and mood to evoke the emotions of the viewers, providing a deeper understanding of the situation and context.
Overall, a well-produced film with an interesting and emotional storyline.