Watch The Violent Enemy

The Violent Enemy is a 1967 British film that explores the world of espionage and political turmoil during the height of the IRA's reign of terror. Directed by Don Sharp and starring Tom Bell, Susan Hampshire, and Ed Begley, this film takes us on a thrilling journey through the dangerous streets of Northern Ireland as the characters attempt to thwart a major terrorist attack.

The movie begins with a bomb explosion in a crowded shopping center in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The police are convinced that the IRA is behind the attack, but they have no concrete evidence to prove it. That's where John Craig (Tom Bell) comes in. Craig is a British intelligence officer tasked with infiltrating the IRA and gathering information about their plans.

Craig is a seasoned spy, but he faces several challenges in his mission to stop the terrorists. The first obstacle is the language barrier. Craig is an Englishman, and he knows very little about the Irish language and culture. To make matters worse, the IRA members are suspicious of outsiders, so Craig has to work hard to gain their trust.

Despite the odds, Craig manages to get close to the IRA leadership, including Sean Rogan (Ed Begley), a hardline nationalist who is determined to make the British pay for their occupation of Northern Ireland. Rogan is a fanatic who is willing to do anything to achieve his goals, including killing innocent civilians.

Craig's mission becomes even more urgent when he discovers that the IRA has acquired a stolen shipment of advanced weaponry. The terrorists plan to use the weapons to launch a massive attack on the British military and government installations in the area. Craig knows that he must act quickly to prevent a catastrophe.

Craig's job is complicated by his growing affection for Kathleen Nolan (Susan Hampshire), a young Irish woman who is sympathetic to the IRA's cause. Kathleen is torn between her love for Craig and her loyalty to her people. As the tension between the British and Irish communities escalates, Craig and Kathleen find themselves caught in the middle of a deadly conflict.

The Violent Enemy is a taut and suspenseful thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. At its core, the film is a meditation on the nature of violence and the futility of trying to achieve political goals through terrorism. The characters are complex and well-drawn, and the acting is first-rate. Tom Bell gives a standout performance as John Craig, a man torn between his duty and his conscience. Ed Begley is equally impressive as Sean Rogan, a ruthless terrorist who believes that the only way to achieve freedom is through violence.

The film is also notable for its realistic portrayal of life in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. The streets are bristling with tension, and the threat of violence is always lurking just beneath the surface. The film does an excellent job of capturing the paranoia and danger that characterized the era.

Overall, The Violent Enemy is a gripping and thought-provoking film that holds up well today. It's a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the Troubles, or for anyone who enjoys a good spy thriller. The film's exploration of the politics of violence is as relevant today as it was in 1967, and its message is just as powerful as ever. Highly recommended.