Watch Michael Collins

Michael Collins is a historical biographical drama film directed and co-written by Neil Jordan, released in 1996. The movie is set during the Irish War of Independence, a period of strife and turmoil in Irish history. The central character of the film is Michael Collins, an Irish revolutionary and politician who played a crucial role in the country's fight for independence against British rule.

Played by Liam Neeson, Michael Collins is a charismatic and determined leader, who rises to prominence in the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Along with his comrades, Collins sets out to wage guerrilla warfare against British forces in Ireland, using unconventional tactics and methods to gain the upper hand. Over time, Collins becomes an increasingly important figure in the revolution, winning support from both the Irish people and politicians.

However, the struggle for independence is far from easy, and Collins is beset by a number of obstacles and challenges. One of the main obstacles is the British occupation, which unleashes a wave of violent repression against the Irish population. Another challenge is the internal divisions within the IRA, as various factions argue over the best course of action. Despite these challenges, Collins remains steadfast in his commitment to the cause and his determination to achieve a free and independent Ireland.

The film also explores Collins' personal life, including his relationships with his friends and family, as well as his romantic involvement with the beautiful and enigmatic Kitty Kiernan, played by Julia Roberts. The relationship between Collins and Kiernan adds an emotional and romantic dimension to the story, humanizing the character and giving the audience a glimpse into his personal life.

In addition to Neeson, Quinn and Roberts, the film boasts an impressive cast, including Stephen Rea, Alan Rickman and Brendan Gleeson. Rea plays Ned Broy, a close associate of Collins in the IRA, while Rickman portrays Eamon de Valera, a rival politician who opposes Collins' tactics. Gleeson appears as Liam Tobin, a loyal member of the IRA who becomes one of Collins' trusted confidants.

One of the strengths of the film is its depiction of historical events, which are handled with a degree of accuracy and verisimilitude. The movie showcases some of the famous events of the War of Independence, such as the 1916 Easter Rising and the Bloody Sunday Massacre of 1920. The film also features a number of historically accurate locations, including Kilmainham Gaol, a notorious prison where many of the leaders of the Easter Rising were held and executed.

Overall, Michael Collins is a gripping and powerful film that captures the spirit of Irish patriotism and revolution. The film offers a compelling depiction of one of Ireland's most famous historical figures, exploring both his public achievements and his personal struggles. With strong performances from its lead actors and a script that balances action and drama, Michael Collins is a must-see movie for fans of historical drama and biographical cinema.

Michael Collins is a 1996 war movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 13 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 60.