Blind Flight (2003)

The true story of Irishman Brian Keenan and Englishman John McCarthy's extraordinary relationship as hostages of militias in Lebanon during the 1979-91 Civil War.

Director:

John Furse

Writer:

John Furse

Stars:

Ian Hart, Linus Roache, Kalim Koleilat

1 win & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ian Hart	...	Brian Keenan
Linus Roache	...	John McCarthy
Kalim Koleilat	...	Industrial Cell - Kidnap Guard
Nayef Rashed	...	Industrial Cell - Militia Officer
Bassem Breish	...	Storeroom - Joker
Dany El Khoury	...	Storeroom - Rida (as Dany B. Khoury)
Vic Tablian	...	Storeroom - Senior Cleric
Mohamad Chamas	...	Underground Cell - Abed (as Mohammed Chamas)
Ziad Lahoud	...	Underground Cell - Said
Fadi Sakr	...	Underground Cell - Safi
Bahi Ghubril	...	Other Guards - Releasing Officer
Abdala Keserwani	...	Other Guards - Farmhouse Guard
Haroutioun Toupoushian	...	Other Guards - Mazin
Asbed Zaderian	...	Other Guards - First Gunman
Áine Ní Mhuirí	...	Brian's Mum

Storyline

Keenan and McCarthy spent 4.5 years confined together, held underground for much of their captivity, at times chained to each other and to the walls of their prisons. The two men, who could easily have found themselves at opposite ends of a gun barrel in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, instead forged a relationship which transcended all that appeared to divide them. "Blind Flight" tells the story of this compelling relationship as they both resurrect their deepest memories, feelings, fears and loves. In their near biblical journey they uncover many of the forces which made them blind and captive human beings prior to their physical captivity. They finally discover a compassion for their captors which makes the film a 'love story' in the fullest and most humanistic sense.

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Plot Keywords:

kidnapping | hostage | friendship between men | friendship | prisoner | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 April 2004 (UK)

Also Known As:

La nuit des otages

Filming Locations:

Belfast, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Makar Productions, Parallax Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Goofs

Brian's fingernails remain neatly trimmed throughout the period of captivity.

User Reviews

A powerful testament to courage and love in the face of adversity

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.