Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Brutal true prison IRA drama has strong violence, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Hunger
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
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Director(s)
- Studio : IFC Films
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Activism , History
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance
- Run time : 96 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : BAFTA - BAFTA Winner
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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