Omagh (2004) Reviews

Behind the more sensational political subject of the film lies the quieter sub-plot of a father's love for his dead son. With the glut of movies dealing with a mother's weepy love for her children one might assume that women are the only parents that love their children or that hysterical tears are the only way to express love for one's child. In this case, that father, Michael, is told a dozen ways he should feel and another dozen ways he should act in order to take care ofhis family with no one wondering or caring what Michael feels or needs. Michael's explanation of his feelings to his wife near the end of the film manages to break the viewer's heart without sobbing hysterically. To his wife's credit, she opens her eyes, stops her whining, and finally thinks about her husband's feeling before her own.
Close this Review

There is no conflict between the north and south, there is conflict between the Irish and the British army, between the Loyalists and the Irish, and between the Loyalists and the Loyalists. Omagh was a tragedy that was condemned by all sides, and was carried out by the 'Real IRA', an organisation that most Irish Republicans wish would disappear, and has no connection with the IRA. I've yet to see the film, but I trust Gerard McSorley.
Close this Review

This is a must see movie if you want to understand what is going on in Ireland between the north and the south. The acting is great, but the dialog is a little difficult to understand and follow with their rich Irish brogue. A well done movie from a true incident and what follows as a father tries to bring to justice those responsible for the death of his son.
Close this Review

I disagree with the other poster in that this movie does not help you understand the conflict. This movie deals only with the aftermath and the difficulty encountered when trying to get any real cooperation from the RUC - difficulty which was confirmed near the end by the ombudsman. Further, this movie is too dull to be "entertainment" and too lacking of detailed information to be a "documentary".
Close this Review