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Amazon.co.uk Review
Abandoning traditional filmmaking methods in favour of a more documentary style, Bloody Sunday is frighteningly realistic, especially when detailing the chaos into which the peaceful demonstration descended. Those who are only familiar with James Nesbitt through his lighter work (Cold Feet for example) may find this something of a shock, but he excels in the role of local politician Ivan Cooper. Admittedly there is a danger in presenting historical facts in a dramatic manner, no matter how painstaking the research, even though much of the dialogue here is taken straight from testimony and actual military transcripts. But if any question of bias arises, it’s worth remembering that this film was written and directed by an Englishman, stars a Derry protestant as well as a young man whose uncle was killed during the march, and was produced as an Anglo-Irish project. The result is an unforgettable and unflinching piece of cinema not to be missed.
On the DVD: Bloody Sunday absolutely has to be seen on DVD. The slew of extra features not only complement the film, but place it in the overall context of the past, present and future of Northern Ireland. The various interviews with cast, director and producers paint a picture of a film that sets out to heal wounds and build bridges on all sides and to break the cinematic mould. Thus the majority of the cast were not actors but ordinary people from the Derry area, with the majority of the British soldiers played by ex-military personnel, some of whom had served in Northern Ireland themselves. As more and more of the story behind this remarkable film is revealed, so its impact becomes more intense and its aims and purpose more successful.--Phil Udell
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Paul Greengrass does a fantastic job of capturing the chaos and terror of Bloody Sunday (aside from one minor careless mistake - the famous 'Free Derry' walk features as is does today, as a free-standing gable wall, when it was actually still part of an end-terrace house on the day!). I cannot recommend this film strongly enough. I have never had a comparable experience of a second-hand account of such an event. This film will stir passion in the viewer and help to contextualise the situation in Northern Ireland at the time.
See this film!
The use of ex-serving soldiers from N.Ireland and residents from Derry who present during the riots 25 years ago adds genuine authenticity. There are no flashy production techniques, no Hollywood style melodrama, more a documentary feel. The footage is beautifully shot; you feel like you are the eyes of a unwitting observer, and this makes it all the more involving.
The story unfolds rapidly before your eyes, a sense of growing tension is realistically recreated. At times the footage is hard-to-watch, but yet utterly compelling; the tragedy transfixes your for the duration of the film. Nesbitt performs his role with subtlety and quiet dignity, easily his best role to date.
As the film finishes, you arise with a much deeper understanding of both what happened, and why it happened. You understand how the conflict affected all parties, you begin to understand the lasting emotion the day has given to so many.
In summary: a superb account of the UK's darkest days, shot with sensitivity and acted with genuine care.
As for the movie, it's a very watchable 105 minutes. It's based on the events of that single day from dusk till dawn and revolves around the organiser, Ivan Cooper (a local MP from the Protestant community), various individuals among the marchers, several top brass officers and a number of soldiers who opened fire (shooting a total of 27 people and killing 13 of them on the day).
The film is very gritty and down to earth, so expect shifting cameras and a bit of variety in the quality of the sound during dialogues. It has the feel of the teledrama. It's low budget, but somehow that adds to the authenticity of what you see on the screen. On the downside, there are no subtitles (these would have been handy).
It's worth noting that the extra features are very worthwhile on this DVD. For example they include over an hour of interviews with the director, the main actor and even Mr. Cooper himself.
Overall, an award winning film that is both controversial and thought provoking at the same time.
Let's hope such events are consigned to the past and that all the people of Northern Ireland can share in a prosperous and peaceful future.
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