Almost great

Rating: Null/10 (22 November 2004)

I was riveted by this film, until the meeting between Gerry and the Attorney (I don't remember her name) and the scene with the blow-torching of the prison guard.
All of a sudden, the oppression of the Irish people is somehow made to be their own fault. In the meeting with the attorney, Gerry has "an attitude", and it is all his fault for not having "faith in himself". What on earth does this mean, in his situation?? Why must our culture always demonize people for fighting back and standing up for themselves?
The performances were top-class by all players. But the caricature and demonization of the IRA man was this film's U-Turn into sentimental mediocrity, and an offense against the people who continue to suffer what it portrays.