The film subtly critiques modern media for attempting to "exploit people for ratings" by forcing a high-stakes reconciliation on camera.
In Lurgan, a 17-year-old member of the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), Alistair Little, murders 19-year-old Catholic Jim Griffin. The act is witnessed by Jim's 11-year-old brother, Joe. This part of the film is based on a real historical event.
The film marks the first time Northern Irish stars Liam Neeson and James Nesbitt shared the screen. Critics have praised Neeson's "stoically powerful" portrayal of a man haunted by guilt and Nesbitt's "explosive" performance as a man consumed by vengeful rage.
The story fast-forwards 33 years to an imagined meeting between the adult Alistair (played by Liam Neeson) and Joe (played by James Nesbitt). A television production team attempts to film their reconciliation, unaware that Joe is actually seeking revenge—his "five minutes of heaven". Key Highlights & Themes
Directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel (known for Downfall ), the film won the World Cinema Directing Award and the World Cinema Screenwriting Award at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. Critical Reception Five Minutes of Heaven (2009)
The film subtly critiques modern media for attempting to "exploit people for ratings" by forcing a high-stakes reconciliation on camera.
In Lurgan, a 17-year-old member of the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), Alistair Little, murders 19-year-old Catholic Jim Griffin. The act is witnessed by Jim's 11-year-old brother, Joe. This part of the film is based on a real historical event. Five Minutes of Heaven
The film marks the first time Northern Irish stars Liam Neeson and James Nesbitt shared the screen. Critics have praised Neeson's "stoically powerful" portrayal of a man haunted by guilt and Nesbitt's "explosive" performance as a man consumed by vengeful rage. The film subtly critiques modern media for attempting
The story fast-forwards 33 years to an imagined meeting between the adult Alistair (played by Liam Neeson) and Joe (played by James Nesbitt). A television production team attempts to film their reconciliation, unaware that Joe is actually seeking revenge—his "five minutes of heaven". Key Highlights & Themes This part of the film is based on a real historical event
Directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel (known for Downfall ), the film won the World Cinema Directing Award and the World Cinema Screenwriting Award at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. Critical Reception Five Minutes of Heaven (2009)