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How
many times am I going to use the phrase 'one of the best pictures
of the year'? I have used it countless times thus far this
movie season, and I am now using it again to describe "Bloody
Sunday", one of the most powerful and challenging films of
the past few months and a motion picture than should be on
everyone's 'must see' list for 2002/2003.
The
film revolves around the events that transpired in Derry, Ireland
on January 30, 1972. A peaceful demonstration against the
British law of internment without a trial turned into a bloody
massacre when 14 people ended up wounded and 13 people ended up
dead, all at the hands of the British militia. The film is
presented in a documentary style, though it is not an actual
documentary. We see the events through the eyes of three
people. First, is Catholic activist Ivan Cooper (James
Nesbitt). Second, is Major General Ford (Tim Pigott-Smith).
Third, is Kevin McCorry (Allan Gildea), a young man with a prison
record who believes in the cause, but without violence. The
film chronicles the events from the planning stages of the march
to the aftermath of the shootings. We see how an innocent
procession of rights can quickly turn into something far more
insidious and far more heart stopping that anyone could have ever
imagined.
The
way in which this film is shot, in documentary style, is something
that adds to the overall power and poignancy of the picture. Writer/Director
Paul Greengrass has turned events that many of us have forgotten
or didn't even know about into a standup movie masterpiece.
We know this isn't a real documentary and that these weren't
the real people involved, but that might as well have been.
Their performances (especially Nesbitt in an Oscar worthy role)
are beautifully attuned to the feelings and emotions of the real
people involved and their intensity level is in the red zone.
I was amazed to see such virtually unknown talents stage these
events in such a straight forward, truthful, and riveting manner.
It impressed me more than any film this year.
A
side note for this film is that much of the funding needed for
this film to be released to the film festival circuits was
provided by the IRA, who were stoked and extremely off put after
the events known as "Bloody Sunday", an event which
eventually lead musician Bono to write a song based on those
events.
Now,
I know that this film is not eligible for the Best Documentary
category at the Academy Awards, but I would strongly suggest this
film be recognized for it's achievements in acting,
cinematography, and script. I don't know if it is quite
worthy enough for a Best Picture nod, but it is certainly worthy
enough to more than likely make my end of the year list.
There have been so many good movies hit theatres lately, it seems
almost redundant to praise another film so highly, but
"Bloody Sunday" is powerful, powerful drama and quality,
quality cinema.
-- Billy
Ray ( 4 out of 4 pops )
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