An interesting and well-intentioned film on the nature of violence, sorrow and guilt on the two individuals involved.
Basically a terrorist act is committed in Northern Ireland. The terrorist kills a man but is seen by the younger brother of this murdered man. The terrorist is jailed and the younger brother is tormented the rest of his life by this brutal act.
After about 30 years there is a face-to-face between the two – they have never met since the day of the murder. This encounter is sponsored by the TV media and we are to bare witness. This is very well done and we can feel the anguish of both. The film-makers do give us a lasting view that the victims of crime can never hope to completely recover – the scars remain. So this is not a film about reconciliation between oppressor and victim or that revolves entirely around the feelings of guilt of the protagonist.
The later encounter, after the media one, was somewhat less satisfying. Nevertheless this film has a strong psychological grip and the acting of the two main characters makes this very worthwhile. And towards the end there is hope for the two of them.
Basically a terrorist act is committed in Northern Ireland. The terrorist kills a man but is seen by the younger brother of this murdered man. The terrorist is jailed and the younger brother is tormented the rest of his life by this brutal act.
After about 30 years there is a face-to-face between the two – they have never met since the day of the murder. This encounter is sponsored by the TV media and we are to bare witness. This is very well done and we can feel the anguish of both. The film-makers do give us a lasting view that the victims of crime can never hope to completely recover – the scars remain. So this is not a film about reconciliation between oppressor and victim or that revolves entirely around the feelings of guilt of the protagonist.
The later encounter, after the media one, was somewhat less satisfying. Nevertheless this film has a strong psychological grip and the acting of the two main characters makes this very worthwhile. And towards the end there is hope for the two of them.