This film is basically what you would call a 'two-hander' in theater parlance, as the main action revolves around two men who have been kidnapped in Beirut in the 1980's. Based on the true story (screenplay was co-written by the author) of Irishman 'Brian Keenan' who was kept in captivity for 4 1/2 years. Unlike your typical Hollywood prison film there are no attempts to keep track of time or even to escape, the main focus for Keenan (perfectly played by longtime character actor Ian Hart) is to stay physically and mentally alive while facing first solitary confinement and then shared captivity with a Brit, no less. Although the mismatched 'odd couple' might seem humorous at first, they soon learn to co-exist with each other and their captors in their own individual ways. Keenan is a natural rebel and tries a number of techniques to get information about the outside world, from hunger strikes to refusing to shave or wear 'prisoner clothes'. This attitude puts him at odds with some of the sadistic tendencies of his captors who routinely order the men to perform inane tasks or suffer beatings for no reason. If anyone ever has any question as to why a nation should use any means necessary to free political hostages, this film is it. A taut drama that will enhance your appreciation of the courage any survivor of captivity must demonstrate. I should also note that well-known British actor Linus Roache ("Hart's War") is equally excellent in portraying the easy-going journalist 'John McCarthy' (who was released a year after Keenan in real life).
26 Reviews
A gripping dramatisation of the traumatic experiences of two innocent men
tomithy2 December 2004
This film perfectly encapsulates the zeitgeist of the Civil War, retelling the stories of two men, Brian Keenan and John McCarthy, as they are captured and held hostages in Beirut, Lebanon. Watching the developing relationship between the two men is fascinating, as they help each other to survive in the most isolated conditions. The director focuses solely on the two men rather than their families, building up the tension as each scene progresses. The acting is superb, the script is perfect, and the location really does make us feel as though we are there.
The director John Furse does a marvelous job with a limited cast, and although there is not much of a storyline to the film, he manages to keep us on the edge of our seats right until the very end. Furse spent a total of six weeks in an isolated area speaking to Brian Keenan, collecting ideas for how the film will be portrayed to the public. It shows. See this film!
The director John Furse does a marvelous job with a limited cast, and although there is not much of a storyline to the film, he manages to keep us on the edge of our seats right until the very end. Furse spent a total of six weeks in an isolated area speaking to Brian Keenan, collecting ideas for how the film will be portrayed to the public. It shows. See this film!
Unexpectedly Good
MtGrover17 March 2004
I was a tad aprehensive about this film, purely because of the subject matter, I thought it would bore me to tears.
However I was pleasantly surprised, I saw this film at Pinewood Studios, at a screening set up with the British Society of Cinematographers, to be followed with a Q&A session with John Furse (Dir.) and Ian Wilson (DP), when it came to the end I had no technical questions to ask as the film was so engaging. The acting is brilliant and you can't help but be transfixed to the characters.
The overall look of the film is very well done, the lighting really acting as part of the narrative, as does the sound, instead of just making things look, or sound, nice.
Well worth watching, I saw a small review in Total Film, so I'm assuming it's on cinema release on some scale, if you don't catch it, get the DVD.
Matt
However I was pleasantly surprised, I saw this film at Pinewood Studios, at a screening set up with the British Society of Cinematographers, to be followed with a Q&A session with John Furse (Dir.) and Ian Wilson (DP), when it came to the end I had no technical questions to ask as the film was so engaging. The acting is brilliant and you can't help but be transfixed to the characters.
The overall look of the film is very well done, the lighting really acting as part of the narrative, as does the sound, instead of just making things look, or sound, nice.
Well worth watching, I saw a small review in Total Film, so I'm assuming it's on cinema release on some scale, if you don't catch it, get the DVD.
Matt
Pleasantly Surprising!
mrarnone2 December 2004
I recently watched a screening of Blind Flight at the Cosmat conference in Brighton and to be honest, I wasn't expecting much. Being the kind of person who generally watches mainstream movies, I thought that the fact this film is not widely recognised in the UK said it all. However I turned out to be very wrong, as I thought this movie was fantastic! The casting was very well done, and Ian Hart and Linus Roache were superb in this film, and fulfilled their characters roles very well. The film follows Brian Keenan and John McCarthy, an Irish teacher and an English Journalist captured and held hostage for 4 years in Lebanon during the 79-91 civil war. The film gives a real insight into the captive's emotions and feelings during this time, and being based on true events really makes you feel for the two men. I recently met the director John Furse and discovered that the film took 13 years to bring to UK screens, and the film was definitely worth the wait!
Sometimes I think this whole world is just one prison yard...
paul2001sw-121 October 2006
Brain Keenan and John McCarthy were held hostage in Lebanon for five years; this film, based on the writings of both men, tells their story. Keenan (played by Linus Roache) in particular makes for an unlikely hero, a brave but prickly Irishman, but the movie shows how the two supported each other through their long imprisonment. What it doesn't quite do is capture the emotional impact of the boredom, fear and claustrophobia it depicts the two men as suffering: this may be because it lacks the courage to restrict the audience's view of that of its protagonists (they are often blindfolded, but we always see what is going on). But there are some interesting insights into the psychological relationship between captors and captives; and, against the odds, an eventual happy ending.
Well made movie that yet is lacking in the right emotions and depth to make this a really great one.
Boba_Fett113818 October 2006
Movies that are based on true events are also interesting to watch, since no matter how unlikely or hard to believe everything in it is, it's still realistic since it truly happened. It makes the story as well as the movie as a whole a compelling and intriguing one.
The movie is from a technical point of view a real great one. The movie is well directed and good looking, with some good cinematography.
The acting also really helps this movie. The two main character are being played well by Ian Hart and Linus Roache, who basically for the obvious reasons have to carry the entire movie on their own. No way the movie would had worked out well with some lesser actors.
But the movie is too flawed to yet consider this a completely successful- or a must-see movie. Problem is the time-line of the movie. Keenan and McCarthy were being held captive for 4 and a halve years but the way the story is told in this movie, makes it seem rather like 2 months, at most. Things in this movie also happen too rapidly. They are being dragged from the one location to the other and get into some events that are already over before you can really start thinking about it. The movie doesn't leave the viewer enough room to think and process some of the moments. This is obviously also due to the short running time of the movie. But on the other hand it would of course be also impossible and perhaps even boring to make a 2 hour long movie about two guys who are being held captive together in a small room. So I can still understand some of the choices the filmmakers made with this movie when it comes to the storytelling and story flow. They did the best they could with the concept, without ever making the movie less interesting.
But I wish I could say that this was the only problem of the movie. The movie is also severely lacking in the right emotions and required depth. The movie doesn't ever really become personal with the two main characters and they hardly at all speak about home or their family. The movie could had been so much more powerful and emotional if it only had some better emotions and depth in it. The movie still works well on a dramatic level but not on the right level, a movie like this requires.
All of this however doesn't mean that the movie is any less interesting to watch. The movie always remains interesting throughout its running time, also due to the fact that you never know what is going to happen next. They are in a unpredictable situation and the movie does a good job at captivating this atmosphere of strange fear, companionship and hope.
The movie tells the story entirely from the point of view of the two hostages, which doesn't provide the movie with any unnecessary sequences or subplots. The movie is simple, straight-forward and exactly how a movie with a story like this should be.
The movie does feature some interesting sequences between the two hostages but also with their captivators. It gives the movie a certain extra sense of reality and helps to set up the right mood for the movie. But yet for some reason I feel that the film-makers tried a bit too hard to be political correct and to not offend any group. It doesn't exactly makes this movie the most daring or confronting movie around.
Perhaps not the must-see people make you believe it is but nevertheless a very well made movie that is definitely worth seeing.
7/10
http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/
The movie is from a technical point of view a real great one. The movie is well directed and good looking, with some good cinematography.
The acting also really helps this movie. The two main character are being played well by Ian Hart and Linus Roache, who basically for the obvious reasons have to carry the entire movie on their own. No way the movie would had worked out well with some lesser actors.
But the movie is too flawed to yet consider this a completely successful- or a must-see movie. Problem is the time-line of the movie. Keenan and McCarthy were being held captive for 4 and a halve years but the way the story is told in this movie, makes it seem rather like 2 months, at most. Things in this movie also happen too rapidly. They are being dragged from the one location to the other and get into some events that are already over before you can really start thinking about it. The movie doesn't leave the viewer enough room to think and process some of the moments. This is obviously also due to the short running time of the movie. But on the other hand it would of course be also impossible and perhaps even boring to make a 2 hour long movie about two guys who are being held captive together in a small room. So I can still understand some of the choices the filmmakers made with this movie when it comes to the storytelling and story flow. They did the best they could with the concept, without ever making the movie less interesting.
But I wish I could say that this was the only problem of the movie. The movie is also severely lacking in the right emotions and required depth. The movie doesn't ever really become personal with the two main characters and they hardly at all speak about home or their family. The movie could had been so much more powerful and emotional if it only had some better emotions and depth in it. The movie still works well on a dramatic level but not on the right level, a movie like this requires.
All of this however doesn't mean that the movie is any less interesting to watch. The movie always remains interesting throughout its running time, also due to the fact that you never know what is going to happen next. They are in a unpredictable situation and the movie does a good job at captivating this atmosphere of strange fear, companionship and hope.
The movie tells the story entirely from the point of view of the two hostages, which doesn't provide the movie with any unnecessary sequences or subplots. The movie is simple, straight-forward and exactly how a movie with a story like this should be.
The movie does feature some interesting sequences between the two hostages but also with their captivators. It gives the movie a certain extra sense of reality and helps to set up the right mood for the movie. But yet for some reason I feel that the film-makers tried a bit too hard to be political correct and to not offend any group. It doesn't exactly makes this movie the most daring or confronting movie around.
Perhaps not the must-see people make you believe it is but nevertheless a very well made movie that is definitely worth seeing.
7/10
http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/
An entertaining film where you learn a lot without realising it.
claudette-flint29 October 2004
How to convey five years captivity in one hour and a half with the whole range of contradictory feelings. This is what Blind Flight is about: Beirut 1985, the true story of Keenan and McCarthy kidnapped by a militant Muslim fundamentalist group. One expects immediately a vision of "baddies V Goodies" but the film is a lot more subtle and fairer than that. The Muslim guardians, despite their violence (Lebanon was in a state of war), remain human, and not stereotyped. In fact they appear as victims of politics and in the same time they reproduce the system they are fighting. What is remarkable is the way John Furse maintains your interest throughout an almost static film; for instance one of the kidnapper is proud to show them his new born baby but he is also proud of his new kalachnikof. The film is intelligent, moving, funny and thought provoking. My thought was "what would I do in their place?". McCarthy and Keenan give us a lesson of courage and wisdom we have been longing for for decades. They don't save the world, they broaden its mind by undergoing the kind of test that enlightens what is important in life.
We were very lucky to meet John Furse the director and McCarthy at the end of the show. They were as genuine, interesting and lucid as their film. John Furse's talent makes me look forward for his next film.
We were very lucky to meet John Furse the director and McCarthy at the end of the show. They were as genuine, interesting and lucid as their film. John Furse's talent makes me look forward for his next film.
great book under-realised
LunarPoise20 May 2011
Brian Keenan's book was a profoundly moving account of his years as a captive, focusing on the deep bond developed between him and John McCarthy, and the psychological games, both ridiculous and deadly, that they played with their guards. To this day I never finish a book on a train, after reading the last few pages of Keenan's biography on a crowded Chuo line train in Tokyo, and bursting into tears in front of startled Japanese commuters.
This adaptation fails to reach the heights of the book. It is a much more prosaic relaying of events, but more than that Ian Hart seems miscast as Keenan. Hart is a competent actor, but in no way embodies the sclerotic, charismatic, complex character that is Keenan of the book. Linus Roache as John McCarthy is much more plausible, but the drama relies on the credibility of the Kennan character.
Not a horrible film, but not a great one, and the tale deserves to be told better.
This adaptation fails to reach the heights of the book. It is a much more prosaic relaying of events, but more than that Ian Hart seems miscast as Keenan. Hart is a competent actor, but in no way embodies the sclerotic, charismatic, complex character that is Keenan of the book. Linus Roache as John McCarthy is much more plausible, but the drama relies on the credibility of the Kennan character.
Not a horrible film, but not a great one, and the tale deserves to be told better.
A feel-good movie, with a tang
eeu99hl13 October 2004
This is a film about men, by men: their humanity and relationships. Excluding one cameo moment (and Mrs Thatcher) there are no women in the film. That it does not matter is the testament to the absolute universal held within this portrayal.
If you have already read the books, this is not a film version of either. The project was undertaken on its own account, starting before John was released. Rather, it zips all files and then presents us with a chance to see what it means to be suddenly plucked from your life.
Co-written by Brian, a lecturer in literature, author, and one of the two, it is a unique telling of a real story about the violence and cruelty that can arise from the human fear of difference. A telling that transcends both through acknowledgment. A must for veterans of hate, seekers of hope, and celebrants of the paradox that a crucible of human failure can fruit the better of gifts.
Men; simple, sparse, sincere. Real.
Iron John meets Alan Bennett. A rare achievement, and a gem on a plate for those with mentoring roles.
If you have already read the books, this is not a film version of either. The project was undertaken on its own account, starting before John was released. Rather, it zips all files and then presents us with a chance to see what it means to be suddenly plucked from your life.
Co-written by Brian, a lecturer in literature, author, and one of the two, it is a unique telling of a real story about the violence and cruelty that can arise from the human fear of difference. A telling that transcends both through acknowledgment. A must for veterans of hate, seekers of hope, and celebrants of the paradox that a crucible of human failure can fruit the better of gifts.
Men; simple, sparse, sincere. Real.
Iron John meets Alan Bennett. A rare achievement, and a gem on a plate for those with mentoring roles.
?
lara_hakim25 May 2005
I didn't really like the film for the following reasons. i don't think the production did a good job on portraying Lebanon and the war. none of the landscapes are Lebanese landscapes. Lebanon doesn't have that much green spaces. the house at the beginning of the film is not what i would call an exact Lebanese architecture. if you choose to shoot your film in Tunisia you have to be careful to have Lebanon plaques on the front of the cars. you cant fool everybody by having "Tunis" on the plaque written in Arabic on the car! Lebanese cockroaches are very different from those we see in the film. such small details but of huge importance. also the Lebanese war is not and should not be represented by cars on fire in the middle of the roads. i think it was much more than that.
however good performance and nice cinematography
however good performance and nice cinematography
You must see this film....
Hun114 October 2004
Saw this film a couple of nights ago and I thought it was brilliant. The on-screen relationship between the 2 actors felt very real and the result is a sensitive and emotional film. The subject matter dealt with is highly relevant to the current middle east situation, so I urge everyone to see this film. I believe small films like this have trouble getting distribution compared to some of the trashy, light, money-generating commodities that pass as blockbusters these days. Outrageous! Demand to see this film at your local independent or art-house cinema. Let's support films that make you think, or teach you something about the world as well as entertain!
A surprisingly humorous re-telling of Brian Keenan and John McCarthy's hostage experiences in Beirut.
spanky_steph13 October 2004
I was in two minds about seeing this film; although I feel it's important to be reminded of both the awfulness and the greatness of the human spirit, I find it hard to stomach violence and cruelty. However, my social conscience overrode my ostrich-like nature and boy am I glad it did. Blind Flight, the story of Brian Keenan and John McCarthy's hostage experiences in Beirut back in the 1980s, is a surprisingly light-hearted and humorous film. Indeed it transpires that a lot of the ad-libbing that occurred during filming had to be cut from the final edit. This fact emphasises the closeness and the nature of the relationship between the two men, being founded on a wry humour that belied the reality of their situation. Ian Hart as Keenan and Linus Roache as McCarthy are phenomenally accurate in their portrayal of the two men, highlighting the differences between this 'odd couple' without ever resorting to caricature.
Although never shying away from the inevitable brutality that occurs when man is given ultimate power over man, all credit to the John Furse for giving a human face to the guards, and showing how 'good' and 'evil' are such subjective notions during political struggles. However the film was also careful to point out that even during such extreme situations, there is a right and a wrong way to treat people. This film made surprisingly little impact in the UK upon its release. I hope it finds the audience it deserves on DVD.
Although never shying away from the inevitable brutality that occurs when man is given ultimate power over man, all credit to the John Furse for giving a human face to the guards, and showing how 'good' and 'evil' are such subjective notions during political struggles. However the film was also careful to point out that even during such extreme situations, there is a right and a wrong way to treat people. This film made surprisingly little impact in the UK upon its release. I hope it finds the audience it deserves on DVD.
Must Read!
tiffanymcclymont45 December 2004
I saw this movie recently at a showing in Brighton and listened to a talk by the director. This movie was brilliant. It's not normally the kind of movie i would choose to see but i'm so glad i did. It's an amazing story and one that everyone should no about. Its emotionally draining but well worth, it really makes you think and puts life into perspective.The story of these two men may not be known to many teenagers but it definitely needed to be told and John Furse has done a great job. Blind Flight is different and compelling, the directing is great and choice of location and actors make this movie incredible. I highly recommend this movie and urge you all to go and see it, and i wish John Furse the best of luck.
Great film. Gripping realism, moving and poignant.
sfcol_7722 June 2004
This is a movie which succeeds in showing the hostage story with utterly convincing realism. The discipline of the direction and the lack of self-indulgence in the cinematography echoes the confined conditions under which Keenan and McCarthy survived for four and a half years. The triumph of this powerful and moving film lies in its refusal to demonise the captors, and to balance moments of intense suffering with humour and a surprising lightness of touch. The portrayal of the unlikely friendship between the two men and its redemptive power is finely drawn and superbly performed by Ian Hart and Linus Roache. The moment of their reunion is the emotional climax of the film. Not to be missed.
Everyone should watch this
paul_bass197315 October 2004
If ever there was a film that should be witnessed by the masses, this is it. The remarkable true life story of Brian Keenan & John McCarthy, who in the mid 1980's were kidnapped by Muslim fundamentalists. We just watch the friendship that forms between these two men in isolation, from the first awkward moments to some profoundly funny times when laughter and the strength of courage and dignity come to the forefront.
I had the pleasure of watching a screening a few nights ago where John McCarthy, John Furse (director) and Ian Hart (Brian Keenan) were present. After speaking to them all they came across and very easy to talk to, no airs and graces - just three normal people who played their own parts in this remarkable story.
If you ever feel your life is bad and you have problems, just watch this film and you will realize that our own problems become insignificant to the problems of - will i ever get home? Will i be killed? Why do i get chained up like an animal or completely wrapped in tape with only a small hole for breathing?
All things which these 2 amazing people had to contend with, as well as constant self analysis.
Great film - Watch it!!
I had the pleasure of watching a screening a few nights ago where John McCarthy, John Furse (director) and Ian Hart (Brian Keenan) were present. After speaking to them all they came across and very easy to talk to, no airs and graces - just three normal people who played their own parts in this remarkable story.
If you ever feel your life is bad and you have problems, just watch this film and you will realize that our own problems become insignificant to the problems of - will i ever get home? Will i be killed? Why do i get chained up like an animal or completely wrapped in tape with only a small hole for breathing?
All things which these 2 amazing people had to contend with, as well as constant self analysis.
Great film - Watch it!!
Blind flight is an informative little movie not reaching the masses.
nileafilms31 October 2004
I saw this film recently in my local art cinema, Duke of Yorks in Brighton. I was extremely lucky to have the opportunity to have a talk back session with the film maker John and John McCarthy himself. I was genuinely moved by his response to how little hatred he felt for his captors, and was greatly saddened that the larger commercial cinemas (and America) would not take this informative little movie on. Which has so much relevance within it's context today, as it did when it happened in the 80s. I would recommend this documentary (ish) style film to anyone of any age, as I gives a clearer insight to a hostage situation that seems to be repeating itself 20 years on.
A powerful and moving experience
pauline-turner3 November 2004
The release of hostage John McCarthy may be described as my Kennedy moment - everyone is supposed to remember where they were when they heard Kennedy was shot,and I clearly remember where I was on August 8th 1991 when I heard that McCarthy was released in Beirut.Couple that with the privilege of attending a Film Education screening of the film attended by John McCarthy and director John Furse and you've got what can only describe as a very personal and intense experience. The performances by the leading actors Ian Hart and Linus Roache were both superb. There was an acute feeling of time passing and the relationship between Keenan and McCarthy was real and almost tangible - the bleak look on Roache's face as McCarthy when Keenan was taken away from him (he didn't know where) was heartrending. The film was apparently shot over 28 days, yet the months and years seemed to unfold before us in what was an agonising wait for resolution. The film contained an almost Pinter-esque fascination with the relationship between two men in a room, and I could imagine that at times the conversation between McCarthy and Keenan was very much on the same lines!
I have to say it meant less to some of the 17 year old students I'd taken with me, one remarked that it didn't seem to have much story, but to anyone with a interest in current affairs in the nineties and the realisation of a moment in history on film it is a fascinating and well crafted film. All credit to the make up artists too who made the body changes very believable too, especially when you realized the short time scale the film was shot in.
I have to say it meant less to some of the 17 year old students I'd taken with me, one remarked that it didn't seem to have much story, but to anyone with a interest in current affairs in the nineties and the realisation of a moment in history on film it is a fascinating and well crafted film. All credit to the make up artists too who made the body changes very believable too, especially when you realized the short time scale the film was shot in.
A powerful testament to courage and love in the face of adversity
ragtush28 June 2004
This film is an extraordinary testament to the power of male bonding, hope and courage in the face of long term imprisonment and potential death. In spite of the seriousness of its subject matter, it manages to provide moments of welcome humour and lightness. Brian Keenan and John McCarthy would most probably not have given one another the time of day in any other circumstances, but thrown together as they were in the Lebanon, they developed an extraordinary depth of trust and compassion, and a deep bond which could never be severed. John Furse has created a beautiful, intimate, unflinching study of these two men in captivity....phenomenally acted by Ian Hart and Linus Roache....and this film deserves to be seen by the many not the few. If you can't see it at the cinema, get it out on DVD. If you are a teacher, use it in your classrooms.Whatever you do, please try to see it at least once.
Emotional, gripping stuff
adamiw13 March 2004
Saw this film last year at the London film festival.
It's the only time i have seen it, as it isn't being released until April 9th. The relationship between the 2 main characters is incredible and very realistic according to Brian Keenan and John McCarthy themselves. Being a while since i have seen it, i struggle to remember specific events, so i will make sure to watch it again when it is released.
The film has been slightly adapted from the truth. There is no appearences from other hostages who were also held along with Keenan and McCarthy.
I hope this gets put in as many cinemas as it deserves.
A fantastic film that will grab your attention, and never let go of it from start to end.
It's the only time i have seen it, as it isn't being released until April 9th. The relationship between the 2 main characters is incredible and very realistic according to Brian Keenan and John McCarthy themselves. Being a while since i have seen it, i struggle to remember specific events, so i will make sure to watch it again when it is released.
The film has been slightly adapted from the truth. There is no appearences from other hostages who were also held along with Keenan and McCarthy.
I hope this gets put in as many cinemas as it deserves.
A fantastic film that will grab your attention, and never let go of it from start to end.
A deeply moving and often witty portrayal of male bonding
ragtush23 November 2004
Blind Flight is a tender, witty, and deeply moving portrayal of the love and mutual support which develops between two highly unlikely individuals, Irishman Brian Keenan and Englishman (with Irish roots)John McCarthy, during their many years of captivity as hostages in the Lebanon in the mid 1980s.Blind Flight took years of love, sweat and dedication to come to fruition....why didn't more people go and see it in the cinemas? Why is it not being screened at my local art-house cinema, the Duke of Yorks, when they were turning people away at a sell out special screening in October? If you want to see it on the big screen, get on the phone and demand that it be screened in your local art-house cinema. This is a film which deserves to be seen by the many, not the few....particularly given the current hostage sitruation in Iraq.If you can't get it on at the cinema, take it out on DVD or VHS from your local rental store...or buy it!!!
The hostage crisis in the Lebanon in the 1980's touched my world as a young girl very little. A blurry recollection of yellow ribbons and TV appeals by Jill Morrell reside in my memory but thats about it.
helen-11310 March 2004
The 'hostage crisis' in the Lebanon in the 1980's touched my world as a young girl very little. A blurry recollection of yellow ribbons and TV appeals by Jill Morrell reside in my memory but thats about it. However, I was profoundly affected by this film: both moved and overcome with the need to get out in to the open air again! The astonishing relationship between John McCarthy and Brian Keenan - men from totally different worlds - is beautifully captured by the strong performances of Roache and Hart. We begin to understand just how dependent these men were upon each other for both hope and sanity.
A reminder of the important things
jonye_uk21 June 2006
An amazingly powerful film which so many other reviewers have described here so well. This is very low budget film - so I can forgive the occasional lack of authenticity that one other reviewer has picked up on - not bad for being filmed mainly in Scotland and Ireland - the real heart of the film is the people (still it may have annoyed me too if I'd noticed!).
It portrays the story of 2 men surviving in circumstances that was so removed from everyday life, it reminds us of the freedom many of us have - and reminds us of those who do not have such freedoms. It reminds me of the things we take for granted (water on tap to drink and wash with), food to eat, to see the sun everyday, and to do as we please. The film is a lesson in being grateful and an excellent tutorial for what to do next time you are stuck somewhere you don't really want to be - in a traffic jam, waiting for a train, waiting anywhere, etc. - you still have your mind to take you to the people and places that you love. This is the real Shawshank Redemption (they can't take the music away from you) and so much more, lets hope it follows the same slow burning path and becomes as well known as it deserves to be. Well done to the Pierion Centre, Bristol for the showing tonight - a real pleasure to have John Furse there to discuss the film.
It portrays the story of 2 men surviving in circumstances that was so removed from everyday life, it reminds us of the freedom many of us have - and reminds us of those who do not have such freedoms. It reminds me of the things we take for granted (water on tap to drink and wash with), food to eat, to see the sun everyday, and to do as we please. The film is a lesson in being grateful and an excellent tutorial for what to do next time you are stuck somewhere you don't really want to be - in a traffic jam, waiting for a train, waiting anywhere, etc. - you still have your mind to take you to the people and places that you love. This is the real Shawshank Redemption (they can't take the music away from you) and so much more, lets hope it follows the same slow burning path and becomes as well known as it deserves to be. Well done to the Pierion Centre, Bristol for the showing tonight - a real pleasure to have John Furse there to discuss the film.
A Must See...
tchalice26 June 2006
Recently saw this film and was left speechless at the end due to its powerful performances and story. The acting is of the very highest quality and the film expresses the "human-ness" of the situation very well. All characters are three dimensional with no lazy stereotyping of goodies and baddies but complex characters trying to make the best of their difficult situations. There's a very powerful scene when the camera pans back from the cell where Brian Keenan & John McCarthy are being held in to show their captors also captive in a small room outside. Without justifying their actions it does help to explain the tense situation and unexpected bouts of violence and indeed kindness. The film also manages to bring out some of the humour of the relationship of two very different men being forced together in such a confined space and how they learn to expand their own limits and preconceived ideas. This film shows the triumph of the human spirit to conquer even the darkest and most challenging times.
sensitive, extremely moving and very uplifting.
xyz197921 March 2004
I loved this film. It was sensitive, extremely moving and very uplifting.
The bond that these two men shared was beautifully portrayed by the actors. The moment where the hostages are both released and reunite at the airport was so poignant it left a very strong impact. This film takes place for the most part in a cell. But I found it gripping, fast paced and beautifully shot.
The story of these two men is inspirational. I felt privileged to watch this film.
The bond that these two men shared was beautifully portrayed by the actors. The moment where the hostages are both released and reunite at the airport was so poignant it left a very strong impact. This film takes place for the most part in a cell. But I found it gripping, fast paced and beautifully shot.
The story of these two men is inspirational. I felt privileged to watch this film.
Powerful Drama
michael-lynch-012 May 2007
I would like to say how impressed I was with this film, which I just saw for the first time recently. In the wake of recent films such as Capote, Munich and Last King of Scotland, I think this film holds up very well and is both intensely moving and even-handed. I am surprised that John Furse has not made another film as this is a guy who has real talent. I hope that he gets to make another film soon as we really need filmmakers like him, who are not afraid to combine passion with intelligence and who also don't compromise their subject matter. In light of recent global events this film is more relevant now than ever. The acting was superb and the film was beautifully shot--see it if you get a chance.
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