Filmed in Paul Greengrass’ signature documentary style, Bloody Sunday captures one of the worst tragedies in Northern Ireland’s recent history with stunning attention to detail and a single-minded focus that most thrillers only dream of having. But this film doesn’t dress up its violence with Hollywood flashiness or contrived suspense. Everything is presented in a matter-of-fact way (and over the course of just one day), emphasizing how unjust the balance of power was between the Irish citizens and the British Army. It’s a remarkably realistic reenactment that should inspire plenty of angry tears, having already made a mark by winning the prestigious Golden Bear at the 2002 Berlin International Film Festival.
"The primitive force of this film seems to bubble up from the vast collective memory of the combatants. It's like watching a nightmare made flesh."
— Peter Rainer
"Greengrass' dramatic re-enactment, galvanised by documentary techniques, is so dense and alive with detail that it should be viewed attentively."
— Richard Kelly
The dramatised story of the Irish civil rights protest march on January 30 1972 which ended in a massacre by British troops.
Berlin
2 wins
BAFTA
1 win, 4 nominations
Spirit Awards
1 nomination
Sundance
1 win
Nat. Board of Review
1 win
European Film Awards
4 nominations
