Blind Flight

This is a film about men, by men: their humanity and relationships. Excluding one cameo moment (and Mrs Thatcher) there are no women in the film. That it does not matter is the testament to the absolute universal held within this portrayal.

If you have already read the books, this is not a film version of either. The project was undertaken on its own account, starting before John was released. Rather, it zips all files and then presents us with a chance to see what it means to be suddenly plucked from your life.

Co-written by Brian, a lecturer in literature, author, and one of the two, it is a unique telling of a real story about the violence and cruelty that can arise from the human fear of difference. A telling that transcends both through acknowledgment. A must for veterans of hate, seekers of hope, and celebrants of the paradox that a crucible of human failure can fruit the better of gifts.

Men; simple, sparse, sincere. Real.

Iron John meets Alan Bennett. A rare achievement, and a gem on a plate for those with mentoring roles.

This film is basically what you would call a 'two-hander' in theater parlance, as the main action revolves around two men who have been kidnapped in Beirut in the 1980's. Based on the true story (screenplay was co-written by the author) of Irishman 'Brian Keenan' who was kept in captivity for 4 1/2 years. Unlike your typical Hollywood prison film there are no attempts to keep track of time or even to escape, the main focus for Keenan (perfectly played by longtime character actor Ian Hart) is to stay physically and mentally alive while facing first solitary confinement and then shared captivity with a Brit, no less. Although the mismatched 'odd couple' might seem humorous at first, they soon learn to co-exist with each other and their captors in their own individual ways. Keenan is a natural rebel and tries a number of techniques to get information about the outside world, from hunger strikes to refusing to shave or wear 'prisoner clothes'. This attitude puts him at odds with some of the sadistic tendencies of his captors who routinely order the men to perform inane tasks or suffer beatings for no reason. If anyone ever has any question as to why a nation should use any means necessary to free political hostages, this film is it. A taut drama that will enhance your appreciation of the courage any survivor of captivity must demonstrate. I should also note that well-known British actor Linus Roache ("Hart's War") is equally excellent in portraying the easy-going journalist 'John McCarthy' (who was released a year after Keenan in real life).

I saw this movie recently at a showing in Brighton and listened to a talk by the director. This movie was brilliant. It's not normally the kind of movie i would choose to see but i'm so glad i did. It's an amazing story and one that everyone should no about. Its emotionally draining but well worth, it really makes you think and puts life into perspective.The story of these two men may not be known to many teenagers but it definitely needed to be told and John Furse has done a great job. Blind Flight is different and compelling, the directing is great and choice of location and actors make this movie incredible. I highly recommend this movie and urge you all to go and see it, and i wish John Furse the best of luck.

How to convey five years captivity in one hour and a half with the whole range of contradictory feelings. This is what Blind Flight is about: Beirut 1985, the true story of Keenan and McCarthy kidnapped by a militant Muslim fundamentalist group. One expects immediately a vision of "baddies V Goodies" but the film is a lot more subtle and fairer than that. The Muslim guardians, despite their violence (Lebanon was in a state of war), remain human, and not stereotyped. In fact they appear as victims of politics and in the same time they reproduce the system they are fighting. What is remarkable is the way John Furse maintains your interest throughout an almost static film; for instance one of the kidnapper is proud to show them his new born baby but he is also proud of his new kalachnikof. The film is intelligent, moving, funny and thought provoking. My thought was "what would I do in their place?". McCarthy and Keenan give us a lesson of courage and wisdom we have been longing for for decades. They don't save the world, they broaden its mind by undergoing the kind of test that enlightens what is important in life.

We were very lucky to meet John Furse the director and McCarthy at the end of the show. They were as genuine, interesting and lucid as their film. John Furse's talent makes me look forward for his next film.

Blind Flight is a tender, witty, and deeply moving portrayal of the love and mutual support which develops between two highly unlikely individuals, Irishman Brian Keenan and Englishman (with Irish roots)John McCarthy, during their many years of captivity as hostages in the Lebanon in the mid 1980s.Blind Flight took years of love, sweat and dedication to come to fruition....why didn't more people go and see it in the cinemas? Why is it not being screened at my local art-house cinema, the Duke of Yorks, when they were turning people away at a sell out special screening in October? If you want to see it on the big screen, get on the phone and demand that it be screened in your local art-house cinema. This is a film which deserves to be seen by the many, not the few....particularly given the current hostage sitruation in Iraq.If you can't get it on at the cinema, take it out on DVD or VHS from your local rental store...or buy it!!!