Watch Divorcing Jack

Divorcing Jack is a British-Irish political thriller movie based on Colin Bateman's novel of the same name. It is directed by David Caffrey and released in 1998. The movie is set in Belfast, Northern Ireland during the Troubles of the late 1980s, and it explores the conflicts between British power and Irish nationalism in a humorous way.

The story follows Dan Starkey (David Thewlis), a cynical journalist and University lecturer whose life is a mess. His wife Patricia (Laura Fraser) is seeing another man, he's about to be unemployed, and he's caught up in a web of blackmail, murder, and deception. As Dan attempts to get his life back on track, he becomes entangled in a dangerous conspiracy involving the British secret service, the Irish Republican Army (IRA), and corrupt politicians.

Rachel Griffiths plays Lee Cooper, an American journalist who crosses paths with Dan while covering the political situation in Northern Ireland. Cooper is determined to uncover the truth about the conspiracy and is not afraid to take risks to get her story. Adam Black plays Billy Downs, a corrupt politician who is involved in the conspiracy and becomes one of Dan's unlikely allies.

Divorcing Jack features a fast-paced, engaging storyline that mixes political intrigue with dark comedy. The film includes references to real-life events, such as the IRA bombings and the peace process, but uses them as a backdrop for its own story rather than giving a historical account of the Troubles. The movie is also marked by its use of dark humor, particularly in its portrayal of the British secret service and the Northern Irish politicians.

David Thewlis delivers a great performance as Dan Starkey, portraying him as a complex character with an acerbic sense of humor. His character is the epitome of a flawed hero, and he is able to express his disillusionment with the political and social situation in Northern Ireland. Rachel Griffiths is equally impressive as Lee Cooper, bringing a strong presence to the character and giving her a no-nonsense attitude.

The movie also includes a strong supporting cast, with notable performances from Laura Fraser and Bronagh Gallagher as Bernadette, Dan's loyal friend. There are also cameos from notable actors, including Richard Gant and Helena Carroll.

Divorcing Jack offers a unique perspective on the Troubles, mixing political tensions with black comedy. The film stands out from other political thrillers due to its humor and the way it portrays the issues that affected Northern Ireland during this time. The movie's strong characters, engaging plot, and dark humor make it an excellent choice for anyone interested in political thrillers or black comedy.

Overall, Divorcing Jack is a must-see movie that captures the political turmoil of Northern Ireland in the late 1980s with irony and wit. The film manages to balance humor with an interesting plot that tackles important issues without taking itself too seriously. The strong performances by the cast add depth to the characters, making them engaging and real. The result is a refreshing and entertaining movie that deserves to be watched by both fans of the genre and those looking for something different.

Divorcing Jack is a 1998 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.