Strong theme, violence and nudity
Origin: UK 2008
Director: Steve McQueen
Cast: Michael Fassbender, Stuart Graham, Helena Bereen, Larry Cowan
Running Time: 96 minutess
In 1981, Bobby Sands (Michael Fassbender) led an IRA Hunger Strike in which republican prisoners attempted to win political status, as opposed to merely being classed as criminals. At the time, these events captured the world’s attention.Hunger details the life in Maze Prison, Northern Ireland in the six weeks prior to Sands death. The film is actually portrayed from three perspectives, opening with the part of prison guard, Raymond Lohan (Stuart Graham), who lives in constant fear. The second considers the views from a new inmate. The final perspective considers Sands himself, who stands for his cause and the rightness of political prisoner status. One notable scene is Sands debating the morality of the hunger strike with a catholic priest.
The direction highlights what occurs when both the physical and psychological aspects of the human condition are pushed to their limits. The film’s impact is particularly heightened when the director sets aside dialogue, using instead visual effect to portray the complex relationships between inmates and prison guards, both caught in complex political issues during the Thatcher years.
This film is certainly compelling. Prior to its release in the UK, it premièred at the Cannes Film Festival resulting in both standing ovations and walk–outs.
Source/s: IMDB, David Stratton
Complied by: William H. Doudle