After a weekend of watching horror films. Its now back to UK films for me. I decided to revisit the UK/Irish film In The Name Of The Father, which I havent seen since it was released on VHS in the 90s. Directed by Jim Sheridan (My Left Foot)) and with a cast featuring Daniel Day Lewis (The Boxer, My Left Foot), Emma Thompson (Sense and Sensibility) and the late Pete Postlethwaite (Brassed Off) the film is a great piece of filmmaking. I have read the criticisms that state the film isnt an accurate portrayal of the ‘facts’  but as a film. Its a damn fine one. I dont know how accurate it is. Thats for the historians to work out. I watched the Neil Jordan film as a movie and for the great acting portrayals of the cast. It was also great to see Phil Davis (Face, Brighton Rock) and Frank Harper (The Football Factory, St Georges Day) in small roles.

Gerry Conlon (played by Daniel Day Lewis),is implicated in the IRA bombing of a Guildford pub that kills several people while he is in London. Bullied and threatened by the police, he and four of his friends are coerced into confessing their guilt. Gerry’s father (played by Pete Postlethwaite) and other relatives in London are also implicated in the crime. Gerry and his father spend years in prison trying to prove their innocence with the help of a British attorney, Gareth Peirce (played by Emma Thompson)

The film received seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Actor in a Leading Role(Daniel Day-Lewis), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Pete Postlethwaite), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Emma Thompson),Best Director (Jim Sheridan), and Best Picture..

Some films date. In The Name Of The Father doesnt and even over 20 years since its release. Its still as powerful as it was. Daniel Day Lewis added yet another perfect acting performance to his already impressive CV (he had previously played Christie Brown in the film My Left Foot, also for director Neil Jordan) and those who are familiar with Daniel’s performances in films such as There Will Be Blood, Gangs Of New York, and Lincoln should definitely check out his 1993 performance as Gerry Conlon.

My one complaint is that Director Jim Sheridan hasnt made more films, although when he does make one. The quality is wonderful. Since 1989. Jim has directed 9 films, but thankfully a 10th is on the way with his story of a womans extended stay in a mental home The Secret Scripture, being released this year.