Michael Collins Movie Review 1996

Collins (Neeson) was a revolutionary leader with the Irish Volunteers, a guerilla force (an early version of the IRA) dedicated to freeing Ireland from British rule by any means necessary. After a number of successful moves against British intelligence, Collins is unwillingly drawn into a statesman's role as negotiations for an Anglo-Irish Treaty begin in 1921, ultimately dividing the country in two and leading to Collins' own assassination. Controversy surrounded the film as historians, politicians, and the media took potshots at director Jordan's admittedly personal look at the complexities of Irish life and one of its equally complicated heroes.

Distribution

Warner Home Video, Inc., 5775 Linder Canyon Rd., Westlake Village, CA 91362, URL: http://whv.warnerbros.com, Remarks: Does not handle retail queries from consumers; contact your local video distributor.

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 117 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Historical Drama, Biopics: Politics, Dublin, Politics, Assassination, Period Piece: 1910s, True Stories, Rebel With a Cause, Terrorism, Protests, Director/Star Teams: Jordan & Rea

Screenplay

Neil Jordan

Cast

Liam Neeson, Aidan Quinn, Alan Rickman, Stephen Rea, Julia Roberts, Ian Hart, Sean McGinley, Gerard McSorley, Stuart Graham, Brendan Gleeson, Charles Dance, Jonathan Rhys Meyers

Cinematography

Chris Menges

Director

Neil Jordan

Music

Elliot Goldenthal

Producer

Stephen Woolley, Geffen Pictures, Warner Bros.

Awards

L.A. Film Critics 1996: Cinematog.; Venice Film Fest. 1996: Golden Lion, Actor (Neeson).