So sad and so familiar

I am going to try to write this without being pretentious. This film struck a very deep chord with me. I am an American with Irish roots, both my mother and father's ancestors emigrated from Ireland in the 20th century. I recieved very little education on Ireland's struggle for independence. I can't really blame my teachers, naturally our cirriculum stressed our own national history and while I can recount every battle of the American Civil War in chronological order I had never heard of Michael Collins, the IRA, or Bloody Sunday until I researched these subjects on my own.

This was a very moving film in that I got to see what my ancestors fled from. My heart goes out to all the good people who suffered for so long. I also saw so much of my own family and our values and mannerisms. I was particularly impressed with the way the director allowed the converstations to proceed naturally without any of the gaudy close ups or odd camera angles that usually accompany such soliloquies. It reminded me of the political discussions that my family would have around my grandmother's dinner table. The stubborn nature of the characters was also reminiscent of my family. I have had uncles who have held grudges for so long that they have forgotten what they were fighting about in the first place.

I hope that the silver lining is that now Ireland is experiencing unprecedented economic growth and welfare. I hope that time heals these wounds.