Romantic thriller set against the background of sectarianism in Northern Ireland, starring Helen Mirren and John Lynch. A 19-year-old Catholic man becomes attracted to an older widow who is unaware that he was an accomplice in the murder of her policeman husband.
Pat O'Connor made his feature debut with this adaptation by Bernard MacLaverty of his own novel. At times treading a mite too carefully along the sectarian divide, this is nevertheless a credible and often compelling look at how the Troubles intrude upon what should be the events of everyday life. There's a genuine warmth in the relationship between widow Helen Mirren (who won best actress at Cannes) and John Lynch, the getaway driver on the IRA mission that resulted in the death of her RUC husband. But the tension amid which their romance blossoms is also well conveyed by O'Connor and his impressive supporting cast.
| role | name |
|---|---|
| Marcella | Helen Mirren |
| Cal | John Lynch |
| Shamie | Donal McCann |
| Skeffington | John Kavanagh |
| Cyril Dunlop | Ray McAnally |
| Crilly | Stevan Rimkus |
| Mrs Morton | Kitty Gibson |
| Dermot Ryan | Louis Rolston |
| Preacher | Tom Hickey |
| Arty | Gerard Mannix Flynn |
| role | name |
|---|---|
| Director | Pat O'Connor |
