In the Name of the Father
In the Name of the Father

Movie spotlight

In the Name of the Father

1971
Movie
109 min
Italian

In 1958 Angelo, a rich and spoiled boy, enters a religious school, where students are tired of its vice-rector, and the strict rules and old-fashioned teaching methods of priests. Soon, Angelo exerts strong leadership among his peers and incites turmoil among them, helped by intellectual Franco and shy Camma. They expel the prefect from the school, organize a Grand Guignol show, and disappear the corpse of an old professor.

Insights

IMDb8.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes96%
Metacritic85/100
Google Users94%
Director: Jim SheridanGenres: Biography, Drama, Crime

Plot Summary

The film tells the story of the Guildford Four, who were falsely convicted of a pub bombing in 1974. It focuses on Gerry Conlon, who, along with his father and others, was imprisoned for a crime they did not commit. The narrative follows their struggle for justice from behind bars, highlighting the systemic injustice and the fight to prove their innocence.

Critical Reception

In the Name of the Father was met with widespread critical acclaim, lauded for its powerful performances, particularly from Daniel Day-Lewis, and its compelling portrayal of injustice. It resonated with audiences for its emotional depth and its examination of the British legal system.

What Reviewers Say

  • A gripping and emotional drama that powerfully indicts wrongful conviction.

  • Daniel Day-Lewis delivers a tour-de-force performance as Gerry Conlon.

  • The film masterfully blends personal tragedy with political commentary.

Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly praised the film's emotional impact, the outstanding acting, and its compelling true story of injustice and perseverance. Many found it to be a thought-provoking and deeply moving cinematic experience.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 7 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Daniel Day-Lewis. Received multiple BAFTA Awards and Golden Globe nominations.

Fun Fact

Daniel Day-Lewis famously remained in character as Gerry Conlon for the entirety of the filming, even serving time in a real prison cell to prepare for the role.

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