The Ballymurphy Precedent
The Ballymurphy Precedent

Movie spotlight

The Ballymurphy Precedent

2018
Movie
106 min
English

The story of eleven innocent people killed by the British Army on a Catholic estate in Belfast in 1971, and the fight by their relatives and survivors to discover the truth.

Insights

IMDb7.8/10
Director: Paddy O'KaneGenres: Documentary, History, War

Plot Summary

The Ballymurphy Precedent is a documentary that delves into the events of August 1971, when British soldiers shot and killed eleven innocent civilians, including mothers and a teenage boy, over three days in the Ballymurphy area of West Belfast. The film reconstructs the timeline of these killings and explores the struggle for truth and justice by the victims' families. It highlights the unreliability of official accounts and the persistent campaign to clear the names of those murdered.

Critical Reception

The documentary received critical acclaim for its powerful and unflinching examination of the Ballymurphy Massacre. Reviewers praised its thorough research, emotional impact, and the dedication of the victims' families in their pursuit of justice. It was noted for shedding light on a significant and often overlooked event in the Troubles.

What Reviewers Say

  • A deeply moving and vital historical account.

  • Highlights the importance of truth and accountability.

  • Effectively humanizes the victims and their families.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific documentary is not readily available.

Fun Fact

The film draws on extensive interviews with victims' families, former paramilitaries, and military personnel, alongside archival footage and official documents, to piece together the events.

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