Drama or History?

Rating: 10/10 (3 August 2017)

I watched this film when it was released in a limited amount of cinemas in the UK after it was made. Much like Kenneth Griffith's documentary about Michael Collins "released" or more accurately, suppressed in the 1970's (Hang Out Your Brightest Colours). It equally offended the British requirement to airbrush history and make the forces of the crown appear as defenders of all that is good and honourable. I've loved everything that Ken and his team have made. This year I've been researching my father's military history. He (Jack Donovan) joined the newly formed Free State Army on August 9th 1922 in Cork, just two weeks before Collins was shot at Beal na mBlath. He had served with Fianna Eireann from 1919 until the truce. He would have been about the same age as Chris Reilly in the film. I recall many of his stories of the civil war in west Cork, serving as a volunteer with the likes of "Teddy O'Donovan" in the movie. Ken's depiction of greens, reds, opportunists, gombeen men, idealists is as true to life as I could possibly imagine. Great drama. Great history.Thanks Ken. You put the record straight. Chris Donovan.