Hunger
Parents say
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Hunger
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Hunger is a harrowing BAFTA-winning drama that looks at life in a Northern Irish prison where guards brutally beat IRA inmates taking part in protests. Based on true events, it tells the story of the plight for political status for prisoners including real-life member of the IRA, Bobby Sands (Michael Fassbender). During their protests, the prisoners are seen wearing only blankets, live in cells covered in their own excrement, and eventually take part in a deadly hunger protest. The violence is shocking, with bloody, gory, and realistic consequences. The medical implications of a hunger strike are unflinchingly shown in disturbing scenes of a body decaying. Fassbender lost weight for the role and his extreme body appearance is deliberately shocking. The movie features infrequent strong language, which includes "f--k" and "s--t." There is a lot of non-sexual male nudity with prisoners shown naked. In one scene a man masturbates beneath a blanket. The morality of those in power and reasons behind the protests are rife for debate.
Community Reviews
Strong portrayals of how we take away people's humanity.
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What's the Story?
HUNGER is the true story of a group of IRA prisoners and their plight for political status through a series of extreme protests that culminate in a deadly hunger strike.
Is It Any Good?
Director Steve McQueen earned the 2008 Most Promising Newcomer BAFTA for this hard-hitting drama based on real events. Given the quality of Hunger and his output since (12 Years a Slave, Shame) that was one of the most deserved awards given. This movie is an exhausting 96 minutes, all because it's so effective. McQueen doesn't present an argument on what are hugely complicated and political issues. But nor does he shy away from them. In a masterful scene, prisoner Bobby Sands (Michael Fassbender) and priest Father Dominic Moran (Liam Cunningham) talk for one entirely unbroken 20-minute sequence about the morality of Sands' hunger strike.
McQueen makes so many inspired choices in which directions the movie takes. It's a breathtaking piece of filming born out of a story riddled with violence, gore, maggots, and human waste. The performances are universally brilliant too, with Fassbender's shocking physical transformation being second to his acting. Fassbender was clearly as dedicated as McQueen and their efforts resulted in a cinematic masterpiece. You'll need a walk round the block after, though.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Hunger. Did the blood and gore seem over the top? Did the violent scenes help tell the story in an effective way? Was it shocking or thrilling? Why? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
Discuss "The Troubles" in Northern Ireland. What did you know about it before you saw this movie? Has it encouraged you to find out more? How to talk to kids about violence, crime, and war.
How did Sands demonstrate courage and perseverance? Why are these such good character strengths to have? Despite these traits, why might some people claim he was a criminal rather than a role model?
Movie Details
- In theaters: December 5, 2008
- On DVD or streaming: February 16, 2010
- Cast: Michael Fassbender, Liam Cunningham, Stuart Graham
- Director: Steve McQueen
- Studio: IFC Films
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Activism, History
- Character Strengths: Courage, Perseverance
- Run time: 96 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Award: BAFTA
- Last updated: January 23, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
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The Wind That Shakes the Barley
IRA drama is thoughtful, smart -- and bloody.
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Bloody Sunday
Powerful retelling of 1972 demonstrations.
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'71
Violent British wartime thriller has strong language, peril.
For kids who love historical drama
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