Movies About The Ira

Updated April 1, 2024

Thinking about Movies About The Ira, there are many films who explored this feeling. We wrote about 20 of our favorites.

In the Name of the Father (1993)

★★★★

3.2 out of 4 stars

From Jim Sheridan, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Pete Postlethwaite, Alison Crosbie, Philip King
Rated R

In the Name of the Father is a 1993 biographical drama directed by Jim Sheridan, based on the true story of the Guildford Four. In 1974, four innocent people — Gerry Conlon (Daniel Day-Lewis), Paul Hill (John Lynch), Giuseppe Conlon (Pete Postlethwaite), and Carole Richardson (Emer McCourt) — were accused of an IRA bombing and wrongfully convicted. With the help of an Irish lawyer (Emma Thompson), Gerry struggles to prove his innocence and that of the others, while also coming to terms with his turbulent relationship with his father. Along the way, Gerry discovers the truth about the case and the corrupt British legal system that wrongfully convicted them. The film follows Gerry’s journey as he fights for justice and for his freedom.

Bloody Sunday (2002)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

From Paul Greengrass, starring James Nesbitt, Tim Pigott-Smith, Nicholas Farrell, Allan Gildea
Rated R

Bloody Sunday is a 2002 British drama film directed by Paul Greengrass that tells the story of the 1972 Bloody Sunday massacre in Northern Ireland. On 30 January 1972, British paratroopers opened fire on unarmed civil rights protesters in Derry, Northern Ireland, killing 14 people and injuring 14 more. The film follows the events of that day, depicting the protest march and its aftermath, as well as presenting multiple perspectives on the violent event. It stars James Nesbitt as Ivan Cooper, the Catholic civil rights activist who led the march, and depicts the events of the day through the eyes of the people involved. The film is a powerful and emotional retelling of the massacre which brought international attention to the conflict in Northern Ireland.

The Long Good Friday (1980)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

From John Mackenzie, starring Bob Hoskins, Helen Mirren, Paul Freeman, Leo Dolan
Rated R

The Long Good Friday follows the story of Harold Shand (Bob Hoskins), a powerful London gangster who is trying to expand his criminal empire into legitimate business. Harold is approached by a mysterious American syndicate to make a deal, unaware that this syndicate is actually a front for the IRA. As he attempts to close the deal, Harold finds himself at the center of a bloody power struggle amidst escalating attacks on his businesses and his life. With the help of his loyal friend and ally, Colin (Pete Postlethwaite), Harold must outwit and outlast his enemies in order to survive and gain the ultimate prize.

Hunger (2008)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

From Steve McQueen, starring Stuart Graham, Laine Megaw, Brian Milligan, Liam McMahon
Rated Not Rated

Hunger is a 2008 British-Irish drama film directed by Steve McQueen. It tells the story of the 1981 Irish hunger strike, led by Bobby Sands, and dramatizes the events leading up to it. The film stars Michael Fassbender as Sands and is set mainly in the Maze Prison in Northern Ireland. The film follows Sands as he leads his fellow prisoners in a hunger strike in order to gain political status for IRA prisoners. The film also explores the relationship between Sands and a prison priest, Father Dominic Moran, and the psychological effects of the hunger strike on Sands. The film received critical acclaim, winning several awards, including the Camera d'Or at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival.