Drama about a platoon of British paratroopers on patrol in Northern Ireland.Drama about a platoon of British paratroopers on patrol in Northern Ireland.Drama about a platoon of British paratroopers on patrol in Northern Ireland.
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe original script by A.F.N. Clarke was a faithful adaptation of his book of the same name which was a memoir about his two tours of duty in Northern Ireland in 1973 and 1976. Director Alan Clarke was not happy with the script, feeling it would not be possible to make with the limited budget and shooting time he had. So A.F.N. Clarke had to scale everything down in the script and take out a lot of dialogue, something he was not happy with as he wanted to keep the essence of his book intact.
In the end, Alan and A.F.N. had a lengthy discussion about the essence of the book and decided that by taking out the dialogue, it made it a very visceral film in the style of the visceral nature of the book.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Alan Clarke: Out of His Own Light (2016)
Featured review
Gripping
This movie is about reality behind the genre. At times the movie captures the bits which are usually left out, but are much more important in soldiering than the fireworks. The excellent down-tempo approach just makes it perfect in realism.
I first saw this in the 80's, and it caught my attention like nothing before. I think I wore the VHS tape out before long. To my surprise, there was lots of familiarity when I entered military service a few years later.
It is a pity that the movie is apparently not available currently. I would buy a copy right now.
I first saw this in the 80's, and it caught my attention like nothing before. I think I wore the VHS tape out before long. To my surprise, there was lots of familiarity when I entered military service a few years later.
It is a pity that the movie is apparently not available currently. I would buy a copy right now.
helpful•71
- koponen
- Jan 6, 2007
Details
- Runtime1 hour 7 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1
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