A Fresh Look at Ireland’s Past Conflicts

Read Time:3 Minute, 36 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Troubles: A Dublin Story
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Genre: Crime, Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 33m
Director(s): Luke Hanlon
Writer(s): Luke Hanlon
Cast: Ray Malone, Paul Murphy, Wayne Byrne, Adam Redmond, Sarah Hayden, William Delaney, Sophia Adli, Luke Hanlon, Aisling Goodwin
Where To Watch: on DVD and digital February 26, 2024 in the UK and on VOD and TUBI on March 5 in the US

RAVING REVIEW: At first glance, THE TROUBLES: A DUBLIN STORY might seem like another historical drama about Ireland’s turbulent 1980s. Yet, under Luke Hanlon’s direction, it transforms into an exploration of human resilience and family bonds amidst political upheaval. With a knack for storytelling that marries historical events with deeply personal narratives, Hanlon crafts a film that educates and resonates, leaving viewers enlightened and emotionally stirred—a mix somewhere between THE BOONDOCK SAINTS and 2021’s BELFAST in look and feel.

Hanlon propelled THE TROUBLES: A DUBLIN STORY creation with a blend of ambition and a clear vision. The film orbits around Sean (Ray Malone) and Francis (Adam Redmond) Shannon, two brothers ensnared by the era’s unrest. Their portrayal injects heart and emotion into the narrative, bridging the gap between the audience and the characters’ strife. At the same time, you can feel the film’s budget, yet the passion that burned within the cast and crew to create this project overcame.

Despite those budgetary limitations, the film dazzles with its resourceful costume designs and settings, cleverly navigating the challenges of period filmmaking. This resourcefulness underscores the film’s aesthetic authenticity and showcases Hanlon’s ability to craft an immersive experience that transcends financial constraints.

One of the film’s most commendable feats is its dive into the complexities of The Troubles (an ethno-nationalist conflict in Northern Ireland that lasted for about 30 years from the late 1960s to 1998.) Hanlon steers the narrative away from oversimplified historical interpretations, opting for a layered examination of the conflict’s impact on individuals and families. This approach, enriched by the director’s selection of shooting locations, shows the film a palpable sense of immediacy and realism.

Sometimes, the film’s pacing struggled with an uneven flow, and the script occasionally brushed against the edges of cliché. If anything, these struggles underscore the challenges and triumphs of indie filmmaking, reminding us of the value of fresh voices and perspectives in cinema.

THE TROUBLES: A DUBLIN STORY emerges as an evocative narrative bridging the gap between the past and present. Hanlon’s directorial debut evokes empathy, challenges perceptions, and illuminates the intricacies of the human condition against the backdrop of conflict. Through Sean and Francis’s journey, the film navigates the tumultuous waters of The Troubles with a blend of sensitivity and bold storytelling, albeit imperfect, contribution to both Irish cinema and the landscape of independent filmmaking.

THE TROUBLES: A DUBLIN STORY is a heartrending reminder of cinema’s unique capacity to connect us with the past while compelling us to reflect on our present and future. Luke Hanlon’s journey from concept to screen, fueled by determination and a profound connection to the story, delivers a film that is both thought-provoking and engaging. While it might not redefine the genre, it certainly enriches it, offering a fresh lens through which to view a well-trodden period of history.

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[photo courtesy of HIGH FLIERS FILMS, GOOD DEED ENTERTAINMENT]

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