Michael Collins, released in 1996, is a biographical film that tells the story of the Irish revolutionary who played a significant role in the Irish War of Independence. Directed by Neil Jordan and starring Liam Neeson in the lead role, the film received critical acclaim for its portrayal of Collins and the events that shaped Ireland's fight for independence.
The film begins in 1916, with Collins (Neeson) witnessing the Easter Rising, a rebellion against British rule in Ireland. Collins quickly becomes a key figure in the Irish Republican Army (IRA), an organization dedicated to achieving Irish independence. The film follows Collins' rise through the ranks of the IRA and his role in the Irish War of Independence, which began in 1919.
Collins' tactics in the war were unorthodox and often brutal, but he was committed to the cause of Irish independence. He established a network of spies and informants, which allowed him to outmaneuver the British forces. He also utilized guerrilla tactics, such as hit-and-run attacks, which made it difficult for the British to maintain control.
One of the most notable events depicted in the film is the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921. Collins played a key role in negotiating the treaty, which established the Irish Free State as a self-governing dominion within the British Empire. The treaty was controversial, as it granted partial independence to Ireland but left Northern Ireland under British control. Collins believed that the treaty was the best compromise that could be reached at the time, but it led to a bitter civil war in Ireland.
The film portrays Collins as a complex and conflicted figure. He is shown to be a charismatic leader who is willing to make difficult decisions in order to achieve his goals. However, he is also portrayed as a man who is haunted by the violence of the war and the toll it takes on those around him. Collins' relationships with his fellow revolutionaries, including his close friend Harry Boland (played by Aidan Quinn), and with his fiancée Kitty Kiernan (played by Julia Roberts), are also explored in the film.
Liam Neeson's performance as Michael Collins was widely praised, with many critics noting his ability to convey the character's conflicting emotions and complex personality. The film also features strong supporting performances from Aidan Quinn, Stephen Rea, and Alan Rickman, who plays Eamon de Valera, a political rival of Collins.
Michael Collins was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $11 million at the box office and receiving numerous award nominations, including two Academy Award nominations for Best Cinematography and Best Original Dramatic Score. The film is regarded as one of the best depictions of the Irish War of Independence and remains a beloved part of Irish cinema.