  
Michael CollinsMPAA Rating:
 for violence and language.Reviewed by: Ken James Very Offensive
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience:
Adults
Genre:
Biography War Thriller Drama
Length:
2 hr. 13 min.
Year of Release:
1996
USA Release:
October 11, 1996
 
Relevant Issues
REVENGE, love replaces hatred—former israeli soldier and an ex-PLO fighter prove peace is possible-but only with Jesus Christ spies in the Bible prisons in the Bible Should I save sex for marriage? Answer street walker, prostitute, whore death in the Bible Learn about the IRA (Irish Republican Army) and other important topics in Ireland?—commentary Movie reviews
In the Name of the Father (1993) The Devil’s Own (1997) terrorism torture treason wedding truce peace
“Ireland, 1916. His dreams inspired hope. His words inspired passion. His courage forged a nation’s destiny.” If historical dramas are up your alley, you won’t want to miss “Michael Collins”. Reminiscent of “In the Name of the Father” and, more recently, “Braveheart”, “Michael Collins” (played by Liam Neeson of “Schindler’s List”) tells the story of a young man leading Ireland in their fight for independence from the British. Obviously influenced by his background, Irish-born director Neil Jordan sheds light on the bitter and brutal battles fought during the 1920’s in Dublin, Ireland. “Mick” Collins, Eamon DeValera (Alan Rickman), and Harry Boland (Aidan Quinn), lead a ring of Irish freedom fighters. They take upon themselves the incredible task of ousting British occupation from Ireland. Having ignored warnings given by the IRA to evacuate Dublin, many British officials assigned there are assassinated in cold blood. England dispatches more troops to occupy Dublin, leading to building animosity between the Brits and Irish. Eventually, against incredible odds, Ireland is given a form of independence they had been desiring for centuries. However, the treaty, lacking many provisions greatly desired, does not satisfy all the Irishmen, quickly leading to a fierce and bloody civil war between the Irish. The historical aspect of this story is fascinating. It offers a more clear understanding about the IRA and British and Irish relations, however biased the story, that most Americans are ignorant of. While much of the movie is enjoyable and interesting, it certainly doesn’t help current relations between the opposing sides. (You can be sure the British parliament won’t be endorsing this one!) Julia Roberts, who plays the part of a young lady loved by best friends and co-fighters Michael Collins and Harry Boland, is truly a downfall to the movie. Her Americanized persona and totally unconvincing accent brought down several of the scenes she was cast in. With much bloodshed, violence, profanity, and adult themes (nothing sexual), this movie is not for everyone, especially not kids and younger teens. It does, however, lead to a much better understanding of Ireland’s continuing fight for independence and the struggles they have faced in the past. See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.   |
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Interestingly, you mention about profanity. It is generally felt that little bad language would have been used at that time, definitely not as much as was portrayed in the film. Indeed, Collins himself was a religious man—during the treaty negotiations he went to mass every morning to pray for guidance. It’s probable that he never actually slept with a woman and certainly wasn’t promiscuous, even if he related well to the opposite sex. The Catholic church at the time was completely against armed violence and many of the IRA volunteers were under threat of excommunication if they participated in a murder.
—Peter O'Grady, N. Ireland