Needs More Backstory
Added 2/21/2010
I only knew the name Michael Collins before watching this film and now I know of his exploits, but I could have used some more backstory instead of "700 years of struggle." Like why Liam Neeson's Collins and Aidan Quinn's Harry Boland are such great friends and why Alan Rickman's Eamon de Valera fear the both of them working together on the Irish Republican cause. So, my Irish history is rusty and this movie helps fill in some gaps, but I think more of the history of these folks struggle should have been shown.
Julia Roberts' Kitty Kiernan is character who needed further development or she should have hit the cutting room floor. Why is she involved in the cause? Who does she love Michael or Harry? Is she a country lass or a city woman? Why is she in the film again? To me, it seemed like the actors were not as immersed in their roles as they should have been.
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A historical epic
Added 2/13/2010
Michael Collins proves conclusive that that Liam Neeson can play almost any role and make it his own.
Steven Rey also gives a first rate performance in his composite role of Ned Broy. Julia Roberts has taken some heat for her role but it was not, in my opinion central to the movie. Alan Rickman plays an unsympathetic Eamon de Valera (does he EVER get to play a sympathetic character?) in fact it's reaching the point were he plays almost every character as the a pseudo version of Alan Rickman.
The picture itself is epic and beautiful it seems to emphasize the dark, this is very proper since it is a dark tale of a tough time of struggle violence and murder.
The tone and the color of the movie subtlety changes when it seems peace has come but starts to change back as the Irish civil war breaks out and it reverts back to the same tough time of violence and murder but directed even more by the Irish against the Irish.
The story here is more Collins than Ireland's so he is the protagonist and is made so. One can debate how much history there is in it but to critique it for being so is not really proper.
It is certainly a fine picture and worth your time.
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iRISH HISTORY
Added 12/8/2009
tHIS MOVIE MICHAEL COLINS is a valuable teaching tol in that it tells the complete story of early Ireland. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to rent it which ultimately led me to buy it.
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Michael Collins
Added 11/17/2009
A wonderfully filmed picture, great color and angles. Wonderful actors, great action and a great piece of Irish history. As we know, freedom is not free.God's rest to Michael Collin a true Irish hero. Surprised by how really great this picture was for the sales price of the film.
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SIMPLY; MICHAEL COLLINS
Added 11/4/2009
In my opinion, the movie was excellent. Even though I felt a few artistic liberties might have been taken, from what I can see, the movie was pretty much 'on point'. Liam Neeson, did an outstanding job in portraying the Irish leader, Michael Collins, intelligent, highly motivated and passionate about what he was trying to attain, almost to a fault. (Note: of course I expected no less from the actor - excellent in whatever he portrays). The movie sheds light on a bit of Irish history regarding the IRB and IRA; the fight to break British total rule over Ireland, and Michael Collins efforts to accomplish this. The movie should be watched closely , noting, that there was a split among the Irish people and in the end, it was the Irish against Irish (which seems to be ongoing, to some extent,even today). I had seen/rented the movie before, but it's the kind of movie I can watch again and again. I enjoyed it that much. So, I decided to purchase the DVD from Amazon for my own library. When I received the DVD, I immediately watch it over again,twice. If you are interested in anything regarding a bit of Ireland's history, or the history of the IRB/IRA,I recommend you buy this movie. Each time I watch it, (contrary to what others might feel), I am left with a deep sense of respect for the young Irish leader and what he accomplished during his brief political career.
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