Crime,Drama,Thriller
Ireland,United Kingdom
Five Minutes of Heaven is a British and Irish drama film directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel. The film tells the story of two men, Alistair Little and Joe Griffen, whose lives were forever changed by a single event that occurred 25 years ago in Northern Ireland. As a young member of the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), Alistair Little killed Joe Griffen's brother during a sectarian attack. The film explores the impact of the killing on both men and their families, as well as the complex legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
The story unfolds through two intertwined narratives. The first section of the film is set in 1975, and depicts the events leading up to the killing. Alistair Little is shown as a young man, eager to join the UVF and take part in their campaign of violence against Catholics. Joe Griffen's brother, who is represented as innocent and peaceful, is caught in the crossfire of this sectarian attack.
The second part of Five Minutes of Heaven is set in the present day. The media arrange a meeting between Alistair Little and Joe Griffen to facilitate a reconciliation between the two. A documentary film crew is present to film the meeting and provide context for the events that occurred. The meeting is fraught with tension and awkwardness, as both men struggle to come to terms with the past and the impact that their actions had on each other's lives.
The film is notable for its strong performances from its lead actors. Liam Neeson, who portrays Alistair Little, won the Best Actor award at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival for his role. James Nesbitt, who plays Joe Griffen, is equally impressive in his portrayal of a man struggling to come to terms with his grief and loss.
Overall, Five Minutes of Heaven is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores themes of violence, forgiveness, and reconciliation. It offers a nuanced and complex perspective on the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and the legacy that this period of conflict has left.
