Five Minutes of Heaven
Five Minutes of Heaven

Five Minutes of Heaven

2009Movie89 minEnglish

The story of former Ulster Volunteer Force member Alistair Little. Twenty-five years after Little killed Joe Griffin's brother, the media arrange an auspicious meeting between the two.

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Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes73%
Metacritic64/100
Google Users79%
Director: Oliver HirschbiegelGenres: Drama, Crime, Thriller

Plot Summary

In Northern Ireland, Alistair Little, a former loyalist paramilitary, is released from prison and agrees to participate in a documentary to discuss his past. He is confronted by Joe McCann, the brother of a man he murdered in his youth, who wants five minutes alone with him. The film explores the lingering impact of the Troubles and the possibility of confronting past violence.

Critical Reception

Five Minutes of Heaven was met with generally positive reviews, praised for its performances, particularly from its lead actors, and its unflinching portrayal of the Troubles and its aftermath. Critics noted its emotional intensity and the difficult subject matter it tackled with sensitivity.

What Reviewers Say

  • Liam Neeson and James Nesbitt deliver powerful performances that anchor the film.
  • The film bravely tackles the complex and painful legacy of the Troubles.
  • Its exploration of revenge and reconciliation is thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the strong acting and the film's serious examination of historical conflict and its personal consequences. Many found it to be a moving and impactful drama.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Actor at the British Independent Film Awards (James Nesbitt).

Fun Fact

The film is based on the true story of two former paramilitary rivals who met for a televised discussion, though the actual meeting was never broadcast live in full.

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