X
- 1996
- R
- Geffen Pictures
- 2 h 13 m
- 1996
- R
- Geffen Pictures
- 2 h 13 m
Summary In Ireland, where national pride is a passion akin to religion and romantic love, one man became a legend for his fierce devotion to his land and its independence. Liam Neeson stars as Michael Collins in a story about the real-life patriot whose bravery and unswerving dedication to the Irish people changed history as it made him into a l...
Directed By: Neil Jordan
Written By: Neil Jordan
- 1996
- R
- Geffen Pictures
- 2 h 13 m
- 1996
- R
- Geffen Pictures
- 2 h 13 m
Michael Collins
59
7.5
Where to Watch
Summary In Ireland, where national pride is a passion akin to religion and romantic love, one man became a legend for his fierce devotion to his land and its independence. Liam Neeson stars as Michael Collins in a story about the real-life patriot whose bravery and unswerving dedication to the Irish people changed history as it made him into a l...
Directed By: Neil Jordan
Written By: Neil Jordan
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 20 Critic Reviews
59
55% Positive
11 Reviews
11 Reviews
35% Mixed
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
10% Negative
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 20 Critic Reviews
59
55% Positive
11 Reviews
11 Reviews
35% Mixed
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
10% Negative
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
Liam Neeson's performance as Collins is at once stirring and blood-curdling, as befits the role of a man who murdered for a cause he believed was just, but was willing to stop when he believed his objective was reached.
For whatever reason, Michael Collins is a troublesome movie, a film about a religious war in which religion is almost entirely absent; a flick that gives us our kicks with thrillingly shot terroristic violence while paying lip service to pious antiviolence sentiments.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 24 User Ratings
7.5
83% Positive
20 Ratings
20 Ratings
17% Mixed
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 24 User Ratings
7.5
83% Positive
20 Ratings
20 Ratings
17% Mixed
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
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.
A great film for all, enjoy!
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The movie moves confidently when it focuses on Collins and his best friend and co-strategist Harry Boland (Aidan Quinn). But it falters with the unnecessary character of Kitty Kiernan (Julia Roberts), who is in love with both men, and they with her.
Neeson's performance as the legendary Irishman reminds us of how large a presence the actor is: He fills up the frame with his voice, his hands, and his gestures.
The demands of the historical epic form seem to hobble Jordan's imagination. He's a director who's at his best when he can follow the dark logic of his own subconscious.
A filmmaker of Jordan's capability is not likely to make anything less than a competent, watchable movie, and that Michael Collins is. I think content rather than form detracts from the cogency of the finished product in this case.
For me, the execution of the picture is so weak, so imitative, so facile that it makes all the thematic discussion seem idle. [25 Nov 1996, Pg.30]
Liam Neeson's portrayal is as close to the flesh and blood of Mick Collins as our generation will ever see. Although I felt the tone overall was more romanticized than necessary, and it gives de Valera a better-than-needed portrayal, I was moved to tears by this film. Sinead O'Conner's singing of "(S)He Moved Through the Fair" was amazing as well.
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Neil Jordan's "Michael Collins" may not be an entirely honest portrayal of the events and happenings surrounding the reign of Ireland's seminal freedom fighter, but it is a damn fine film, crafted by the dramatically savvy hands **** storyteller, as well as a fascinating study of the unfortunate unsustainability of revolution-era politics. Liam Neeson's turn here as the titular character is one that is so clearly driven by passion and care - it's one of the best performances of his multi-textured career. And the cinematography is also extremely well tailored and tinted. Definitely an enlightening, entertaining, and challenging film overall.
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Production Company
Warner Bros.,
Geffen Pictures,
Bord Scannán na hÉireann / The Irish Film Board
Release Date Oct 11, 1996
Duration 2 h 13 m
Rating R
Tagline Ireland, 1916. His dreams inspired hope. His words inspired passion. His courage forged a nation's destiny.
Awards
Academy Awards, USA
• 2 Nominations
Golden Globes, USA
• 2 Nominations
Chicago Film Critics Association Awards
• 3 Nominations
