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This film is great. It forces much more from the viewer than a simple viewing. It forces the audience to practically psychoanalyze the characters. But this movie is frustrating. I think it is a very good film, but I do not find it as powerful as others have, and I don't know why. I feel the plot is lacking in some areas. Much more conflict could have and should have been present. The acting is the most impressive part of the film, and by that I mean Daniel Day- Lewis. This is a performance I'll tell my grandchildren about, "so you're into movies now huh? well check out an old film from 2007, 'there will be blood' with Daniel Day-Lewis and you'll see the most amazing performance ever put on film." His character is the movie.

Unfortunately Paul Dano does not match up or even come close (though he gives a solid B performance, contrasted with Day-Lewis he flat out fails, and miserably so). He was miscast in this role, and I know he was a stand in for the original actor who was dismissed from the project, but much more could have been done here with such an important character.

HW's character could have been so much more. His future should have been developed further.

In the end, a tremendous film that should be seen. But I'm left wanting more from the story than what I was given. Frustrating indeed.

This is a very touching film. I was shocked to see the IMDb score of 6.8. The only major fault of this film is Julia Roberts. She really takes a wonderful film and turns it down a few notches. She can't keep an Irish accent, switching back and forth with her American accent throughout the duration of the film.

Anyway, Michael Collins is great to watch. The story is heartfelt, and the nuances between personal battles and patriotic duty are displayed in a very mature fashion - - to what extent will you go for your country? What will you lose? Who will you fight? Why will you do any of it? Who are your true friends? etc.

The music is FANTASTIC. Worth renting just for the listen. Of course Neison is great. So is Aidin Quinn (when I first saw this movie I thought Quinn was Irish given his name and his performance here). Alan Rickman is Alan Rickman - - which is great, though he doesn't pull off the Irish thing too well. However, given his character, Eamon de Valera, it isn't really a miscast, just takes time to get in.

If you can ignore how horrible Julia Roberts is and think about the heart and emotion behind this film while enjoying the awesome score you're in for a treat. A jewel in the rough. (my favorites)

I remember when this movie came out. For some reason I heard nothing be extremely negative reviews so I never saw it. Six years later I finally found it on TV and decided I'd give it a shot. I'm incredibly thankful that I did, and I don't understand why people had such poor reviews for this movie upon its release. I have since picked up the DVD.

There are many complexities and subtle nuances throughout the film, and you might find yourself asking "what the hell is going on?" And many people criticize the film for that, but these people are missing the point. This movie is about beauty. And if you get confused, it's OK! That isn't important. A cerebral analysis of this movie is not important (although it lends itself very well to such an analysis if you want). Just sit back and enjoy the beauty of this movie.