Leaves abit to be desired, but so did/does the "official" investigation.
Added 4/3/2009
I thought the movie left me sorta just hanging out there and didn't answer my questions. But on the other hand, those same questions aren't answered in the real world even today. All in all, a movie worth seeing.
0 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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A stirring and powerful film
Added 11/4/2008
This is a gripping piece of cinema that it is very involving and very sad. It's hard to watch some scenes and it really is an extremely emotional film, and one that presents a side of the event that is sometimes overlooked - namely the lives of the people involved.
0 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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IRA = FREEDOM FIGHTERS!!!!
Added 2/26/2008
This film lets you see just how bad the British really are. Americans, don't forget we fought a similar war to get out from under their thumb. They dubbed us terrorists then just as they dub the IRA terrorists. Forget the Middle East, free Ireland George!
0 out of 5 people found this helpful.
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Sunday, Bloody Sunday
Added 1/31/2008
Paul Greengrass, who brought us the powerful and controversial "United 93," made a stunning film about the events that transpired on January 30, 1972 in Londonderry. Greengrass presents the film in a documentary fashion, giving the impression that you are observing the events as they take place. On that day, the Civil Rights Movement, led by MP Ivan Cooper, were determined to march in spite of an official ban on all such gatherings. The Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association fought against many abuses of power on the part of the Northern Ireland administration, but the core issue was the abolition of Operation Demetrius, or internment. Basically, British soldiers could arrest and intern those suspected of being paramilitary groups without charge or trial.
Cooper, who came from a rural Protestant background, wanted only a peaceful march. He urged IRA members not to bring weapons to the march, and advised youth who were harassed by soldiers to "just walk away." Unfortunately, due to high-levels of IRA/British soldier clashes, the "Paras" (1st Battalion of the British Parachute Regiment) were out in force. In addition, despite Cooper's pleas to the contrary, armed "Provos" (members of the Provisional Irish Republican Army) were present. It's still not clear how it began, but shots were fired, and the Paras killed 14 unarmed marchers and wounded several others. The film clearly implies that the British shot first, though that's something that may never be determined with certainty.
Shortly after the events of Bloody Sunday, the British government convened an inquiry known as the Widgery Inquiry. It absolved all the British soldiers of responsibility. In response to political pressure, Tony Blair launched the Saville Inquiry, which as of now has yet to release a report.
In the final part of the film, with Ivan Cooper and other Civil Rights leaders speaking at a press conference after the events, Cooper says: "I'd like to say to the British government- you know what you've done, don't you? You've destroyed the Civil Rights Movement. Tonight, young men will be lining up to join the IRA, and you will reap a whirlwind." His words proved to be prophetic. Had Bloody Sunday not happened, it's likely that the Civil Rights Movement could have achieved what the Good Friday and St. Andrews Agreements are now achieving.
The acting and direction in this movie are top-noptch. Even though the viewer knows what's going to happen, one feels a certain amount of suspense. The interment issue has an eerily contemporary ring to it, and this film shows the dangers of a militarized police force. The two featurettes on the DVD are quite informative as well. In sum, this movie is highly recommended, both for history fans and those who want to use the lessons of history to change the future.
2 out of 2 people found this helpful.
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Very dramatic without being a "Hollywood" type of film. Shows how awful the Brits actually were to Catholics in the North. Must see.
1 out of 2 people found this helpful.
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Leaves abit to be desired, but so did/does the "official" investigation.
Added 4/3/2009
I thought the movie left me sorta just hanging out there and didn't answer my questions. But on the other hand, those same questions aren't answered in the real world even today. All in all, a movie worth seeing.
0 out of 1 people found this helpful.
|
A stirring and powerful film
Added 11/4/2008
This is a gripping piece of cinema that it is very involving and very sad. It's hard to watch some scenes and it really is an extremely emotional film, and one that presents a side of the event that is sometimes overlooked - namely the lives of the people involved.
0 out of 1 people found this helpful.
|
IRA = FREEDOM FIGHTERS!!!!
Added 2/26/2008
This film lets you see just how bad the British really are. Americans, don't forget we fought a similar war to get out from under their thumb. They dubbed us terrorists then just as they dub the IRA terrorists. Forget the Middle East, free Ireland George!
0 out of 5 people found this helpful.
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