1992
Directed by Neil Jordan
If this film is still unspoiled for you, I suggest watching it as soon as possible. I never ruin endings, but not everyone is as pious as me. If only.
A unit of IRA members kidnap Jody, a British soldier, by luring him to a secluded area with the promise of sex. The IRA plans to execute Jody in three days if certain members aren't released from jail. Fergus, one of the kidnappers, develops a bond with Jody. Jody makes Fergus promise to find his girlfriend Dil in London if anything happens to him. Um...hilarity ensues. Sorry, when you are as saintly as I am, the plot summaries don't wrap up very nicely.
This film seems oddly disjointed. The first half (which feels like a character study) and the second half (which feels like a political thriller) seem like completely different movies. Both parts are quite enjoyable, but the film lacks cohesion. I did love the romance, as I had resigned myself to a cliche love story, when it took an unexpected and exciting turn.
It is also interesting for me to see an Irish film, especially after visiting Ireland in the fall. I would love to watch more movies about the IRA; this and Odd Man Out were both fascinating.
RATING: ****-
Interesting Facts:
Stanley Kubrick persuaded Neil Jordan to change the title of the film from "The Soldier's Wife" as he believed movies with religious or military titles generally turn people off.
