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Background information for anyone not familiar with Irish War of Independence. Otherwise movie may be confusing. In 1916 Irish rebels attempt a rebellion to free Ireland from hundreds of years of British Imperial rule. The rebellion involved the rebels seizing key buildings in Dublin. British soldiers surrounded buildings and fired on rebels. Rebels surrender after one week. British hastily convene a court martial of the rebel leaders, and sentence all of them to death by firing squad. The rushed nature of the executions (e.g. The average trial took 15 minutes), led to a lot of anti-British feeling. In a subsequent election in 1918, a party which advocated for an independent Ireland, won 70% of the seats. The elected Irish members set up an independent parliament in Dublin. Britain did not recognise this parliament. A violent War of Independence followed. The rebel tactics used were different than those used in 1916. The new tactics involved targeted assassinations, and "hit and run" ambushes. Ambushes mainly occurred in the countryside (not shown in this movie). (If interested, see "The Wind that shakes the barley, which covers the war in the countryside). Eventually, a Truce was called. The rebels wanted an Independent Republic for the entire Island, but Britain only offered independence for 26 out of 32 counties. Protestants in the northeast of the island, who had strong historical links to Britain, wanted to remain in the UK. In addition, members of a new Irish parliament would be required to swear an oath of allegiance to British royalty. Some of the rebels could not accept these Treaty terms (were called anti-Treaty) leading to a Civil War in Ireland. Old comrades who had fought together against the British now fought each other. The pro Treaty side won the Civil War.

This series asks the difficult question, if the State discriminates against you, and you use non violence to seek justice. But are met with violence, is the use of counter violence justified. The fact that the story allows us to see the view point of all players adds to the depth of this issue. Traces the evolution of the recent conflict in Northern Ireland through the the lives of two sisters. Fast moving and beautifully filmed and directed. Powerful acting by both male and female leads, especially the two sisters. High degree of realism. You feel you are there witnessing events, rather than just watching. This series is a must see for anyone with an interest in the 30 year conflict in Northern Ireland.

Watchable low level resistance war movie, set in Berlin during WW2. Note: If you liked this move, you really should check out "Sophie Scholl: the final days" movie. The same theme, but a way better movie (9/10).

The Alone in Berlin story does seem somewhat dragged out. The story is ultimately a simple plot, that really does not have enough content for a full movie. Strange how the main character did not change his appearance, as he was bound to be spotted at some point. Good acting, by both lead characters. Interesting how police, rather than military are used to try ad locate the message writer.