This is another historical deal that takes headlines we may have read and adds a personal dimension to them. In short, Liam Neeson's character Alistair is shown in his youth and working to earn his stripes as a young IRA member during the mid '70's. At the request of IRA superiors, he goes and kills a man loyal to the British. At the time, the man he kills is seen as nothing more than a soldier like he is: not a being who has family and who loves and is loved. The movie fast forwards to the present where Alistair is to meet Joe (played by James Nesbitt) the brother of the man he killed back then for an on film interview. Since the murder, Alistair has prospered and has become a succesful businessman. On the other had, Joe who (in essence) was also killed that night, has never recovered and has lived a life never quite reaching the expectations he or others have had for him.
The film is filled with themes, situations, etc. that draw you in and keep you thinking about it even after you have finished watching it: kind of like IKEA meatballs which you can still taste the day after you ate them. This is not a happy movie and there is no revenge to be had at all or happy ending to be experienced. However, it is really well done, worthwhile, and shows that talent in acting, directing, writing, and cinematography can often out perform other movies with million dollar budgets.
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