Say Nothing

As someone from the north, it's very surreal to see such a high quality TV series about this period. The series clearly attempts to provide balance when looking at this period. Obviously the main focus towards the end is the disappeared, particularly Jean McConville and a few ex IRA volunteers, but it does an excellent job in portraying the motivations and circumstances of those who got involved with the IRA. The characters on all sides are developed and acted brilliantly, particularly Dolours Price and Brendan Hughes, and the odd bout of humour is very welcome and lands well. Overall this is a sometimes exhilarating but also thought provoking watch, I certainly felt it was worth taking a day out to watch!

This series begins with the IRA's shocking abduction of a mother, Jean McConville, in front of her children. Then it slows down a bit, and settles into the story of two sisters who facilitated a fair number of murders and bombings. The mystery of happened to Mrs. McConville--and why--looms over every episode, but there are many other compelling narratives.

It all looks and seems very authentic. Every episode has a disclaimer stating that Gerry Adams denies his involvement in IRA military actions, but the show defiantly suggests otherwise. Even if some of the details are wrong, the series does bring this ugly period to life in a way that feels real.

If I have one quibble, it is that the sisters are a little too appealing and charming, especially Dolores. No matter how much guilt they may express at any point, it has the effect of romanticizing their lives as terrorists/soldiers/whatever.

A person who plans and carries out a bombing designed to kill or maim hundreds of civilians has a screw loose, yet that scary, unhinged viciousness doesn't come through. Maybe it's impossible to depict it, but these two sisters, and their male IRA cohorts all seem a little too sane and likable. Whether it's seething hatred or callous obliviousness to the suffering of others, some additional exploration of the thinking of people who do this sort of thing would have been good.

The sisters' time in prison is also glossed over rather quickly. Some of the unpleasantness is shown, and they describe how bad it was, but it's all over rather fast.

Still, these are quibbles.

Much of this show is hard to watch. There is just so much sadness and futility and senseless death. And yet the reality was even worse, and this show does a good job of bringing the period back to life. It's definitely the best streaming series I've seen in a while.

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.

Based on Patrick Radden Keefe's meticulously researched book "Say Nothing," transports viewers into the heart of the Northern Ireland conflict, known as "The Troubles," through a profoundly unique lens.

The film, like the book, goes beyond simply recounting facts. Narrated by the protagonists themselves, it strives to elucidate the motivations and consequences of their actions, adopting a powerful "female gaze" by prioritizing the experiences of the women who participated in and endured the violence.

This offers a unique and invaluable perspective on the Northern Ireland conflict, enhanced by the stunning performances of an exceptional all-female cast.

It's not often that I write a review but this series it's extremely well done and moving.

It narrates real events that took place in northern Ireland between 1971 to recent years, including the bombing of the old Bailey in London.

The fact that it's not fiction it makes it a lot more interesting to watch. It's very raw, and at times very painful to watch. Rightly or wrongly, It was incredible for me to see the conviction of some of the IRA members, especially the two sisters, and what they were prepared to do for the cause of a unified Ireland.

I think everyone should be watching it to remember and not forget this tragic contemporary history.