Review of Five Minutes of Heaven (2009) by Cory W — 07 Jun 2010

This is the perfect example of a performance driven movie. "5 Minutes of Heaven" centers around 2 men who are set to meet for the first time. Only this meeting is more than appears. One man (Liam Neeson) is a guilt-ridden man who murdered another man's (James Nesbitt) brother during the 70s Northern Ireland riots.

Nesbitt is planning a revenge of his own, while Neeson is prepared for what may come. Neeson and especially Nesbitt are on fire in their performances. They carry the film further than what it was meant to be.

This movie is 95% conversation and depended on heavy characterization, and the two leads pulled that off perfectly. The movie can drag in some parts, but it has an almost perfect finale that ties this movie up with a nice bow.

This movie could have been something more with more back story, but in the end, it pulls off a great character study. Overall, this movie is good, but features great performances by its two leads.