Bloody Sunday

A very documentary and realistic account of the events running up to Black Sunday on January 30th, 1972; an event that fueled the IRA’s cause... The movie follows (without judging) how all of the parties involved saw things. Greengrass for the first time showed that he is not only a very able screenwriter, but also a very talented director whose style of shaky directing and camera sucks you into the action. Despite being very strong with lots of powerful moments, the ending could have been drawn out a little longer, letting it sink in better, like in United 93. (03/26/2005)

I can't believe the news today. Oh, I can't close my eyes and make it go away. How long...how long must we sing this song? How long, how long... 'Cause tonight we can be as one tonight... Whoever says Bloody Sunday is one-sided has no eyes. The protesters are too determined and talk to each other several times about attacking before the fatal break happens. Conversely, the soldiers are under pressure, but that doesn't change how incredibly cowardly and insane they will end up being in the next breath. When ever I hear a phrase like "Humanity may not deserve to survive" in a movie again, a scene of screaming, defenseless people being shot in the back will pop into my mind. Is it possible for something like this to happen decades after World War II? And that decades after Bloody Sunday, this theme, in its various permutations, is still so painfully relevant? And the battle's just begun. There's many lost, but tell me who has won.... (09/14/2007)

A film about human rights, which don't simply fall from the sky, even in the oldest European democracy. Practically everything - the performances, expressive techniques, and editing - is subordinated to a documentary approach, as if we were watching archival television footage of a demonstration. The shaky camera moves from place to place, creating the impression of a war reporter's work. This is an example of a politically engaged film, based on a true event. Overall impression: 85%. (07/12/2006)

Incredibly intense. In the center of the action, Greengrass presents us with a bloody reflection of reality. A drizzly Derry, dynamic camerawork, precise James Nesbitt (a goodie who doesn’t slip into cliché is like gold dust these days) and realistic action. The strange editing style goes against modern approaches, but the fade-outs work perfectly. Political points to the IRA. - Listen, you can’t just leave them lying around her like pieces of meat! - There’s no room for them ! (08/09/2015)

An amazingly captivating portrait of the events of a heated afternoon. The documentary format is very effective, there are moments that make you believe you are watching authentic footage. The action is not very clear at times, but that’s appropriate for the confusion of the events. It would take Greengrass a couple more films to perfect his style, but Bloody Sunday is still bloody good. (02/16/2011)