Movie : In the Name of the Father (1993)

Such a great movie. Intensely powerful acting by Daniel Day-Lewis, and Pete Postlethwaite, someone who should get more praise, and is well deserving of his Oscar nomination. I had always thought this was a religious movie about a priest... ya, I dunno, makes sense doesn't it?. I was greatly surprised and was completely in it's grasp. Based on the true story of the Guildford pub bombings and trials, but a great movie on its own merits as well. One of the best prison “redemption” movies and character development stories.

Gerry Conlon as a youth was not a respectable person, but his growth is well told by the director Jim Sheridan and Day-Lewis. I think they capture the attitude of the people, the youth, the middle class, IRA, the police, groups with fear and groups with hopelessness. All portrayed with thoughtfulness and personality. There's different sides to everyone and reasons for why they are.

The Prevention of Terrorism Acts that the British government of the 70's enacted to combat terrorism is very similar to the Patriot Act. Being able to detain people without a warrant and going to “reasonable” extents to get a confession. It's understandable how people would be scared into and want to protect themselves at any costs, and I understand how it can be abused.

***Spoilers***

People have found fault with the movie for changing the events from how they actually happened. It's not a documentary, facts can be changed for artistic license. Even then, the changes don't alter what an amazing event this was. It doesn't change that a great injustice occurred. I didn't know until the end it was based on factual events and enjoyed it for what it was, a great movie.

I didn't come away from the movie believing that all Brits are tyrants and all Irish are terrorists. I'm not sure why some people got this impression.

4 out of 5

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