Michael Collins
Michael Collins
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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 Michael Collins is a violent historical movie that tells the story of the Irish revolutionary who helped pave the way for Irish independence from Britain in 1949. Collins (Liam Neeson) is a principled character who dedicates his life to his cause of liberating Ireland from British rule. However, set during a fraught period of history, the movie doesn't shy away from violence and features gory gunshot wounds, police brutality, armed sieges, and explosive city warfare. In one scene, during a sports match, soldiers fire indiscriminately at unarmed civilians. There is infrequent strong language in the movie, which includes variants of "f--k" and "s--t." Characters are shown smoking cigarettes and one person is seen swigging from a liquor bottle. Historical events are introduced with short title cards that make it easier for audiences to follow the timeline.
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What's the Story?
MICHAEL COLLINS is the true story of the Irish revolutionary leader who fought to liberate his country from British rule in the early part of the 20th century. Along the way the country suffers bloodshed, civil war, and betrayal.
Is It Any Good?
Leaders who help bring about huge change are often gifted with a charisma that will spur a nation into action. Liam Neeson, as Irish revolutionary Michael Collins, has just that. Director Neil Jordan pitches Neeson as a charming every man with a burning desire for freedom. The movie begins with Collins and his collaborators under siege during the 1916 Easter Rising. He spends two years in jail and once out, begins his guerilla campaign. Filmed in a rousing and cinematic way, the mixture of war scenes, jailbreaks, spy drama, and courtroom battles are thrilling. Amid this, the complex and fast-moving historical details are kept clear with title cards that detail the year and what's happening. This proves a tidy way to keep the action flowing without characters having to stop and explain what's going on.
Native Irishman Neeson is the standout in, what is on paper, a solid cast. Alan Rickman's Irish accent is shaky as Collins' partner and later enemy, Eamon de Valera. Similarly, Julia Roberts' Irish accent is rocky but rarely heard as she's given a paltry part but makes the best of it. Michael Collins works on many levels. It's a political thriller, a war movie, and a comprehensive overview of a turbulent time in recent history. The movie has been criticized for fabricating a few details for dramatic effect but it never detracts from a fascinating story of turmoil and triumph.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Michael Collins. 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?
What did you know about the fight for Irish independence 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 Collins demonstrate courage, perseverance, and teamwork? Why are these such good character strengths to have? Can you think of any times when you've had to show these traits?
Discuss the strong language used. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters: October 11, 1996
- On DVD or streaming: April 8, 1997
- Cast: Liam Neeson, Alan Rickman, Julia Roberts
- Director: Neil Jordan
- Studio: Warner Bros.
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Activism, History
- Character Strengths: Courage, Perseverance, Teamwork
- Run time: 133 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: violence and language
- Last updated: October 8, 2022
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