Review of Michael Collins (1996) by Robdunlop — 25 Jul 2014

An excellent introduction to Ireland's war of independence, spanning from the Easter Rising in 1916 through to Irish Free State in 1922. The film was highly controversial in Ireland upon release, criticised by members of what had historically been the largest and supporters of Eamon DeValera (played by the unparalleled of serpentine vilains, Alan Rickman) who felt the latter was painted in an unfair light in the film, and also by those who felt the father of urban guerrilla warfare was, as he would quite probably be painted if the campaign were today, a terrorist.

Liam Neeson gives a shining performance as "the Big Fella" though unfortunately let down by Julia Roberts whose accent is straight out of Darby O'Gill And The Little People, A superb cast of Irish actors including Brendan Gleeson, Stephen Rea, Aidan Quinn, Sean McGinley as and Gerard McSorley as the fanatical Cathal Brugha.