Just like 'In the Name of The Father' and 'Bloody Sunday' heck, even 'Braveheart' for that matter - I again observe (yes, even from NZ) British people having issues dealing with their shameful history.

I have just seen this movie for the second time. It has had 2 screenings here in Auckland (New Zealand) as part of the 'International Film Festival' we have here annually.

The first screening was pretty much sold out and received solid applause, the final screening in Auckland, at least 85% of seats were attended (I understand this goes on to another city or 2 in NZ too).

This is a well written and (rarely) honestly written piece of such a tragic historic era of a country.

I had to see it a second time as I was too blown away emotionally seeing it the first time to get a grip on the underlying story. There were people visibly upset by this movie throughout the theatre too.

New Zealand could not be socially or geographically further from Ireland than it is - however I feel Loach if anything, toned down the Black & Tans violence in the film (which I understand RTE Live Line listeners would have heard Loach himself say too about 2 weeks back).

I don't think the debate/arguement of who killed how many of who is relevant here in this instance. For those of you pro-Brit or what-not hung up on such figures - why doesn't the Republican case throw in the number of civilians that died from famine too? (rhetorical question!)

The fact there is an unlawful military and opppressive (continuing) pressence in a sovereign country is just plain wrong and the history does nothing less of illustrating this. (bring on November!)

Upon seeing this film (and following up with some studying of my own), how else does one wonder why the IRA has had so much public support?

So few movies (or even documentaries for that matter!) have made one think so much.

Good on ya Ken.