Review of Five Minutes of Heaven (2009) by Jean-Francois V — 08 Aug 2009

Back in the seventies, at the age of seventeen, a young member of the Ulster Volunteer Forces killed a Catholic through the front window of his house, and the latter's little brother witnessed the whole scene. Thirty years later, the two broken men have been approached by TV producers to meet again before the cameras, in a spirit of truth and reconciliation. But the two men are less ready to shake hands than expected.

"Five Minutes of Heaven" is a film about forgiveness, including self-forgiveness, and the long term impact of acts of violence on both the perpetrators and the families of the victims. It mostly blames groupthink for the evils of terrorism, and calls for the more moderate elements in various communities (muslims are specifically mentioned) to calm down the extremists.

Liam Neeson and James Nesbitt portray two different types of post-traumatic neurosis that forcefully complement each other: Neeson apparently stoic and self-controlled but guilt-ridden and almost dead inside; Nesbitt fidgety, loquacious, impulsive and seeking catharsis through further violence.

The film is particularly good in its recreation of Ireland in the 1970s, wallpaper and all. The final confrontation is a little over-the-top (or - SPOILER - over the window-sill), but the film works rather well and manages to remain engaging throughout.