The film is loosely based on the true-life story of Gerry Conlon (Daniel Day-Lewis, GANGS OF NEW YORK), an Irish man wrongfully imprisoned for 15 years for an IRA terrorist bombing that he had nothing to do with. The film is a startling case of injustice, fear and racism.
Director Jim Sheridan (IN AMERICA) took some liberties to make his point (he combined multiple people into solo characters, created characters to highlight ideas, changed dates to add drama), but like HURRICANE the end product is too powerful and poignant to make a fuss over the changes. Gerry was a petty thief in Belfast, who crossed the IRA one too many times. His father, a local businessman named Giuseppe (Pete Postlethwaite, AMISTAD), makes a deal with the IRA and sends his son to London.
Gerry lives the hippie lifestyle while in the capital, but when his luck runs out he robs a prostitute. Even unluckier, the robbery happens the same night of the bombing. Afterward, he goes home to Belfast decked out in new clothes. Gerry along with three of his friends, his aunt, her children and his father get fingered in the bombing.
Different from MIDNIGHT EXPRESS, which deals with unjust punishment, this film’s true heart is in the contrast of generations between Gerry and his father. Giuseppe takes a peaceful approach to winning his freedom while Gerry begins to rebel, even hooking up with Joe McAndrew (Don Baker, A SOLDIER’S DAUGHTER NEVER CRIES), an IRA man who confesses to the Guildford bombings.
Some people complain that the Irish are viewed like innocent saints and the British are demonized in the film, but I disagree. The McAndrew character is not viewed in a positive light. The film clearly shows how a young man like Gerry can get lured to the aggressive actions taken by McAndrew. Plus, not all British characters in the film are evil. Gerry’s lawyer Gareth Peirce (Emma Thompson, SENSE & SENSIBILITY) champions their case and fights for justice in their name. The film shows how blind fear can lead people to do atrocious things. It’s like what Friedrich Nietzsche said, “When chasing monsters, be sure not to become one.” The film is as poignant and universal as it ever was. I hope to God that in a few years we are not going to see a film similar to this one, which takes place in the U.S.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
