Michael Collins Laserdisc

Brilliant film

Michael Collins was my 1st cousin 4 times removed so this film is very special to our family. When this film first came out my late father was so excited to see it, and to have Liam Neeson portray him was an honour and an added bonus - it portrays an important and poignant part of history and was done in a beautiful , respectful and tasteful way. I hadn't seen it since it came out, so not only was it a lovely memory of my late father, I got to watch it and share our family history with my sons for the first time too.

A film that genuinely shreds to bits two staple Hollywood golden rules. Firstly, as a historical film, it actually keeps loosely to the basic facts. Most of what you see and hear bears some semblance to the basic truth. Secondly, it works just fine as a well made, enjoyable film while still having Julia Roberts in it.She (rightly) takes a back seat to Michael Collins' more pressing matters with the State of Ireland, and is therefore comfortably superfluous to anything key to the drama.A good cast (led by Liam Neeson) tells the ongoing tale of Ireland's attempts to get the British monkey of her back. As throughout history, The genuine desire of the Irish to be liberated is matched only by incompetence and internecine tendencies, whilst the ice cool, stiff upper lip British approach masks well its own ineptitude. This was an enduring ineptitude that never fully acknowledged that its ongoing subjugation of Ireland relied solely on its own indecision and stupidity being marginally less damaging than the Irish ability to shoot itself in the foot at every available opportunity.When the denouement of the film arrives - namely the Irish killing one their own in the middle of a process they at least had a semblance of control over - what was the Pretty Woman doing? Buying Pretty Dresses, of course.

A true story of Irish politics, I wouldn't let anyone under -13 watch as it has some serious scenes that are inappropriate.If you want to learn the true story of how Ireland became North and Republic. Plus the the legendary Michael Cillins, this is a must watch. It will help you understand how the IRA became the provisional and then the 'Real' this movie is your starting point.If you prefer books then Tim Pat Coogan's IRA is a great book albeit quite a heavy read. So the movie might be a good 'cheat' for the partial story.

Exciting truthfull

I have just ordered a further copy of this engrossing epic, having owned and givenaway an earlier copy. It is too good not to have in any film collection - and evenbetter if you have any interest in the subject matter.Although a bit free with some facts (understandable within the restrictions ofproducing an entertainment), it is noneless a fine and utterly involving take on atumultuous dangerous time in the history of these islands. The cast is excellent,and I don't accept the frequent criticism of Julia Roberts as Kitty Kiernan. Thatwoman WAS beautiful and the book containing the letters that passed between herand Collins gives mournful weight to the love that existed between them. Robertspossesses the quiet yet firm beauty and character necessary for the role.The evocation of time and place is wonderfully well done and although the demonisation of the G-men (scowling, brutal & violent - to offset the actions ofCollins and his freedom forces, no doubt) was a bit wearing, it certainly aidedthe need to portray the unforgiving nature of two determined mindsets with littlecommon ground for making peace.I confess to a personal interest in the material on show here. Look closely at thepiece of paper that "Ned Broy" is burning in the Vaughn Hotel fireplace and you'lljust see "92 Lower Baggot Street..." before it is devoured by flames. It was theaddress in which my father's first cousin - a courts martial officer - was shot dead in front of his wife by a team of Collins' gunmen led by Joe Leonard.I only recently discovered this piece of family history and it certainly bringsthis top notch film to vivid albeit disturbing life for this particular viewer -tho' the 14 victims of that original Bloody Sunday were reduced to a handful inthe movie.Interestingly, the address still survives as a popular small hotel.

Great story

Such amazing story shows when the troubles started in Ireland and how he is part of history.

They leave out the worst parts from both sides. Still an excellent look at the man, his place and his time.

J’ai fait deux voyages en Irlande, (le Sud de l’Irlande et le nord de l’Irlande.)J’ai pu non seulement apprécier le pays, mais j’ai écoute les guides qui m’ont interpellé surL’histoire de ce peuple , depuis plus d’un siècle, (1846 à 1948...)de malheur....j’en ai été touchée et j’ai voulu me documenter ,ce film a réponduÀ mes lacunes pour comprendre leur histoire de 1916 à l’independance.Un film bien explicatif , bien joué par des acteurs inoubliables ,qui m’a tenuEn haleine, jusqu’a La fin.Je le recommande à tous ceux qui désirent visiter ce pays, ou à ceux quiOnt aime l’Irlande et qui veulent comprendre la différence entre un irlandais et un gallois.

幾つもの国々に征服されたアイルランドを独立国へと導いたマイケルコリンズ！自己の弱さを克服しなければ、と、私にとっても指導者の1人です。

A voir

Purchased as a gift for friends interested in learning more about Irish history. Great story