Michael Collins (1996)

Director:

Neil Jordan

Writer:

Neil Jordan (written by)

Release Date:

11 October 1996 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Drama | Thriller | War

Tagline:

Ireland, 1916. His dreams inspired hope. His words inspired passion. His courage forged a nation's destiny.

Plot:

Michael Collins plays a crucial role in the establishment of the Irish Free State in the 1920s, but becomes vilified by those hoping to create a completely independent Irish republic.

Plot Keywords:

Independence | Assassination | Rebellion | 1920s | Liberty

Awards:

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 4 wins & 8 nominations

Cast

Ian Hart	...	Joe O'Reilly
Julia Roberts	...	Kitty Kiernan
Richard Ingram	...	British Officer
Liam Neeson	...	Michael Collins
Aidan Quinn	...	Harry Boland
John Kenny	...	Patrick Pearse
Ronan McCairbre	...	Thomas MacDonagh
Jer O'Leary	...	Thomas Clarke (as Ger O'Leary)
Michael Dwyer	...	James Connolly
Martin Murphy	...	Captain Lee-Wilson
Alan Rickman	...	Eamon de Valera
Sean McGinley	...	Smith
Gary Whelan	...	Hoey
Frank O'Sullivan	...	Kavanagh
Stephen Rea	...	Ned Broy

Runtime:

133 min

Country:

UK | Ireland | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White | Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

Iceland:14 | Iceland:16 (video rating) | Singapore:NC-16 | South Korea:15 | Philippines:PG-13 | USA:R (certificate #34375) | Canada:14A (TV rating) | Argentina:16 | Australia:M | Belgium:KT | Chile:14 | Finland:K-16 | France:U | Germany:16 (bw) | Ireland:12 (video rating) | Ireland:PG | Netherlands:16 | Norway:15 | Portugal:M/12 | Spain:18 | Sweden:15 | UK:15

Filming Locations:

Broadstone, Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland

Company:

Warner Bros. Pictures

Trivia:

Despite containing several brutal scenes of violence, the film was given a very lenient 'PG' rating in Ireland mainly because of its historical context. The censor issued a press statement defending his decision claiming the film was a landmark in Irish cinema and that he believed "because of the subject matter, parents should have the option of making their own decision as to whether their children should see the film or not". The Film subsequently became the second most successful movie ever released in Ireland.

Goofs:

Factual errors: In the Croke Park scene an armoured car opens fire on the crowd. In reality an armoured car was never used at Croke Park, but several Black and Tan "foot soldiers".

Quotes:

[first lines]
Joe O'Reilly: [dictating a letter] You've got to think of him. The way he was... He was what the times demanded. And life without him seems impossible. But he's dead. And life is possible. He made it possible.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Mystery Science Theater 3000: Agent for H.A.R.M. (#9.15)" (1997)

Soundtrack:

Low whistle and Uilleann pipes

Underrated

This is a very touching film. I was shocked to see the IMDb score of 6.8. The only major fault of this film is Julia Roberts. She really takes a wonderful film and turns it down a few notches. She can't keep an Irish accent, switching back and forth with her American accent throughout the duration of the film.

Anyway, Michael Collins is great to watch. The story is heartfelt, and the nuances between personal battles and patriotic duty are displayed in a very mature fashion - - to what extent will you go for your country? What will you lose? Who will you fight? Why will you do any of it? Who are your true friends? etc.

The music is FANTASTIC. Worth renting just for the listen. Of course Neison is great. So is Aidin Quinn (when I first saw this movie I thought Quinn was Irish given his name and his performance here). Alan Rickman is Alan Rickman - - which is great, though he doesn't pull off the Irish thing too well. However, given his character, Eamon de Valera, it isn't really a miscast, just takes time to get in.

If you can ignore how horrible Julia Roberts is and think about the heart and emotion behind this film while enjoying the awesome score you're in for a treat. A jewel in the rough. (my favorites)