Bloody Sunday

2001 Drama

Paul Greengrass (The Theory of Flight) wrote and directed this powerful look at January 30, 1972 -- better known as "Bloody Sunday." Ivan Cooper (James Nesbitt) attempts to organize a peaceful protest after Protestant leaders imprison Catholics without a trial. His actions conflict with hard-line IRA members who have no interest in a "peaceful" response, as well as the military men responsible for keeping the peace who are led by Major General Robert Ford (Tim Pigott-Smith) and Brigadier Patrick Maclellan (Nicholas Farrell). By the end of the day, the military will fire on the protestors and kill 13 people. The events of this day still haunt the peace process in Ireland. Bloody Sunday was screened at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival.

Director: Paul Greengrass

Starring: James Nesbitt, Tim Pigott-Smith, Allan Gildea, Gerard Crossan, Nicholas Farrell

Reviews

  • It's a mad cycle of arrogance and despair, and Bloody Sunday etches it onto your nervous system.

    Owen Gleiberman - Entertainment Weekly

    19 January 2013

  • A great achievement: tense and passionate, a film that one feels not just emotionally but also physically.

    Edward Guthmann - The San Francisco Chronicle

    19 January 2013

  • An extraordinary film ... that's impossible to dismiss or leave unmoved.

    Desson Thomson - The Washington Post

    19 January 2013

  • The level of accomplishment in the filmmaking is overwhelming.

    A.O. Scott - The New York Times

    19 January 2013

  • Once positions hardened, tragedy was all but inevitable, and Bloody Sunday" does the spirit of that awful day full and unforgettable justice.

    Kenneth Turan - Los Angeles Times

    19 January 2013

Awards

  • Best Photography and Lighting (Fiction/Entertainment)

    BAFTA Awards (2003)

  • Paul Greengrass

    Berlin International Film Festival (2002)

  • Best Actor

    British Independent Film Awards (2002)

  • Paul Greengrass

    Dinard British Film Festival (2002)

  • Best Director

    European Film Awards (2002)