In the Land of Saints & Sinners (2023)

We watched this film on Prime Video last night. It was set in 1974, during the height of the IRA trying to liberate Northern Ireland from the British, through terrorist bombing and sectarian intimidation.

It’s a bit of ancient history, but “The Troubles” are a minefield of questionable choices and problematic results. This film gives us but a glimpse into that dichotomy. Strangely enough, Liam Neeson’s accent was the only one I didn’t have a problem with. He was probably the only actor in this film from Northern Ireland. The rest were mostly from the Republic of Ireland.

As the story is set in Donegal, just outside the western border of Northern Ireland, it makes sense that Finbar Murphy’s best friend was a Garda constable. But he managed to keep his double life a secret from him as well, until the end.

As with all violent shows, there are moments of pathos and self-reflection. This one has it in spades.