Some Mother's Son

My great-grandfather lived and worked in Belfast when he was my age, so, as a way to learn a little about him, I sometimes seek out books and films and websites related to his hometown. What I usually come up with is an interesting mix of news, views and propaganda. I was taught in a persuasive speaking class that grabbing ahold of people's emotions is an excellent way to persuade them to endorse your beliefs.

'Some Mother's Son' could serve just that purpose if not balanced out with some objective information. To look at this film as a representation of said conflict is flawed; it only tells one side of the story, but it is told very, very well. The 1981 hunger strike could stand as one of Margaret Thatcher's biggest blunders, policy-wise. It also stands as one of the IRA's greatest public-image triumphs to this day, and this film plays up the latter very well with good acting, a believable story line and good cinematography.

This is a very insightful film. It is also very balanced in how it discerns Kathleen Quigley from her son Gerard and those two from the Higgins family. But where 'Some Mother's Son' fails is in the distribution of blame. While Westminster certainly dug its own hole, the IRA did its part as well. It played on the emotions of watching a minor Republican, Bobby Sands, wither away in prison and used the resulting emotional tidal wave to indoctrinate onlookers to its anti-British view, which is rooted partially in truth and partially in myth. This film, without a grain of salt, is perfect IRA propaganda and needs a supplement of objective information to educate viewers naieve to Northern Irish politics as to its proper context.

So, sit back and watch and weep and learn all you like. Just don't take this as gospel truth, because it only tells one side of one story.


Helen Mirren is always wonderful!   May 18, 2000
13 out of 14 found this review helpful

The movie is gripping and tells about the complexities involving the IRA, and the British Government. A heroic tale of men trying to fight for their freedom and the mothers who love them. The movie points out that there are no easy answers to this situation, and there are no winners--only losers, when it comes to war.


Sad but true.   November 26, 2002
A. Vegan (Ontario Canada)
12 out of 15 found this review helpful

"Some Mother's Son" is yet another in a long list of films dealing with the strife in Ireland. This film is a thought provoking look into the world of the Irish Hunger Strike. Based around the activities of two IRA members who get captured and jailed. They fight for PoW status and begin a hunger strike to win support. One of the strikers (Bobby Sands) is elected to the British Parliament and their hopes are raised only to be dashed by Maggie Thatcher.

If you are into political, humanitarian or real life films, this film is for you.


Some Mothers Son - The Truth Will Out.   January 13, 2003
12 out of 15 found this review helpful

I have watched this video several times. Everytime I see it, this movie has a different impact on me. Each time, it leaves a different mark. Cannot stress how important non-fictional stories are! The truth needs to be told, and told it was!

A powerful movie, as it should be! A brilliant movie! A must see!


Gripping, hair-raising, touching   June 4, 1999
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

This film of the involvment and interaction between families in Ireland who lived their political activism and families who tried their best to avoid the conflicts, but are drawn together by circustance, is impactful. The actresses are believable and the topic is straight from the headlines. It is an insight into how you can sometimes not bury your head in the sand, no matter how hard you try. There is also good in the hardcore politicos as well as in the more main stream conservatives. Outstanding film!