Review of Veronica Guerin (2003) by Kyo 9 — 07 Sep 2010

While many reviews seem to focus on the tangental aspects of this film - journalism, the real life Guerin, war on drugs - this film is much more than this. For those bemoaning the lack of real information, then they need to watch the DVD extras where the real life Guerin is interviewed, and clips from news footage of the time can be seen.

These items reaffirm that director and producer followed closely the true story. From a cinematic aspect I was impressed that not one set was used in this film - all the shots are true location shots, even those inside houses.

From an acting standpoint, Blanchett proves that as the only non-Irish actor in the film, she can fully immerse herself into any role and deliver. From a story standpoint, any warm blooded viewer will realize that while Guerin's story is not unique, it is the actions and committment of journalists like her that bring us the real stories of the day - in fact, watching stories from imbedded reporters in Iraq it is easy to forget that their lives are on the line - this films reminds us vividly that there are those who do not want us to read these stories, and are willing to kill journalists to keep the silence.

This is not a hollywood action film, but more of a photo-journalistic essay showing us what can go on behind the story we read in the Sunday paper.