Silent Grace

Don't waste any time on this pile of cr*p. I only watched it because Robert Newman was in it. I remember him from Mary Whitehouse experience and have seen him do stand up. He was bloody gorgeous (except for when he smelled of cigarettes) and intelligent (Oxbridge educated) but I don't know what he was thinking.

It is not easy watching a film about a group of psychopathic women. They did not win me over or provide any empathy (let alone sympathy)to their cause.

The only one I had empathy for was the girl's mother who did not approve of the IRA. Robert Newman - what were you thinking?

I saw the film recently for the first time on Ireland's TV3. It is a harrowing tale of hunger striking in a Women's prison during Northern Ireland's Troubles. But it is also a tale of friendship between a young joyrider (played with great aplomb by Áine Quinn) and the leader of the Republican prisoners (played with quiet dignity by Orla Brady). But what keeps the film going at a great pace is the acting who have obviously responded to director, Maeve Murphy's subtle direction. And although it may be a serious theme the dialogue is really funny. Well worth a watch. Look out for it - it will keep getting shown.

Women are often overlooked in history, their roles and accomplishments being erased over time, if they were ever acknowledged in the first place. This is why Silent Grace is such an important movie, being one of the few, if only film to highlight the role of women in the IRA. Steer clear if you want a sanitised, Hollywood-style film; Silent Grace is raw and difficult to watch at times, and doesn't sacrifice its integrity to appear more "mainstream" or enjoyable. That being said, this film has some excellent comedic moments, as well as one of the most organic and realistic portrayals of female friendship I have ever seen. Orla Brady gives a career-defining performance as a high-ranking member of the IRA who goes on a hunger strike. The entire cast are realistic and well-suited for their roles. Everyone looks like real people. Overall, Silent Grace is a must-watch.

I watched Silent Grace recently after watching Hunger. I was amazed at how unknown the women's involvement in these protests were. I think Orla Brady gives a magnificent performance and the rest of the cast are also strong. The tension between Eileen and the prison governor Cunningham, was particularly interesting. A repressed sexual tension along with a mutual disdain, which gives way to a form of respect when Cunningham becomes involved in saving Eileens life is interesting. It seems that director Murphy is reaching for resolutions and is reaching to the common humanity beneath the stark and polarised prejudiced positions. Cathleen Bradley gives a spirited performance, and this the film needs. With The Clash "I fought the Law" in the background, it is a reminder that the energy of youth could either go towards paramilitary or criminal activity. But these women were forgotten, their story untold. Well done to Maeve Murphy for telling it and in a such a touching and dignified way. This film deserves to be seen more widely.