Every Breaking Wave
Every Breaking Wave

Movie spotlight

Every Breaking Wave

2015
Movie
13 min
English

Every Breaking Wave, based on the U2 song of the same name, is set on the streets of early 1980s Northern Ireland. It is built around themes of emotional abandon and the uncertainty of romantic relationships following two teenagers, one Catholic and the other Protestant, who fall in love amidst the ongoing violence.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users88%
Director: Kieran FitzgeraldGenres: Documentary, History, War

Plot Summary

This documentary explores the Troubles in Northern Ireland through the eyes of young people who became involved in the conflict. It uses archival footage and interviews to shed light on the complex political and social landscape that fueled the violence. The film focuses on the motivations, experiences, and consequences faced by those on all sides of the struggle.

Critical Reception

Every Breaking Wave received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its raw and unflinching portrayal of the Troubles. The documentary was commended for its focus on the human element of the conflict and its ability to provide a nuanced perspective. While some found the subject matter difficult, the overall reception highlighted its importance as a historical and personal account.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its intimate and humanizing look at the Troubles.

  • Appreciated for its balanced perspective on the conflict's participants.

  • Noted for its powerful use of archival footage and personal testimonies.

Google audience: Google users found the documentary to be a deeply moving and informative exploration of the Troubles, with many highlighting its personal stories and historical significance. The film's ability to convey the complexities of the conflict through the experiences of young people was particularly noted and appreciated.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize: Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The documentary was originally conceived as a narrative feature film before the filmmakers decided to shift to a documentary format to provide a more authentic portrayal of the events.

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