Paul Greengrass

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Singleton</B></div> <bR> <div> "Bloody Sunday," is a film about a civil rights march in Ireland on January 30, 1972, which became a watershed event for that country much like Selma was in the United States. Made like a documentary, it covers the pre dawn to aftermath events of both the civil rights marchers and the soldiers. Their views conflict even more after numerous protesters are wounded and 13 killed. </div> <bR> <div> Director Paul Greengrass has made a film that lives up to the overused phrase, "one of the best films of the year." This historically based film is, as its name implies, not a "fun popcorn" film. But in these days of conflicts in the middle east and the events of 9/11, it may be useful to understand the role of non-violent protest versus terrorist actions, when it comes to the implementation of needed "radical change."</div> <bR> <div> Two key reasons Greengrass made the film were that he wanted to join with the people of Ireland and put the events of that fateful day in the records books where it belongs. He also wishes to remind people of the importance of maintaining a non-violent civil rights movement for further change.</div> <bR> <div> A functional civil rights movement allows for unjust laws to be confronted in a peaceful and non-violent manner. Greengrass believes that when two or more groups are working to have rule over the same piece of land, only when the focus shifts from contested nationalities to shared rights is peace possible.</div> <bR> <div> As in the US with respect to civil rights, circumstances have improved over the past 30 years in Ireland between the Catholics and the Protestants. At the height of the conflict, which was really a war, 500 people a year were killed. Last year that was down to seven. It's not a total peace but it's no longer a war. </div> <bR> <div> The past cannot be changed and Greengrass believes that "the best monument is the peace we can build today." Greengrass, who is British, believes his government's politicians are most responsible for causing much of the conflict. Still, he is not letting the IRA terrorist actions off the hook when he says that the "IRA campaign was in a 30 year cul de sac." As with the "Truth and Reconciliation Inquiry" in South Africa, there will be a "Saivlle Inquiry" in Ireland. Only by telling the truth can you bring closure to the past and move forward. </div> <bR> <div> Greengrass believes this film will resonate with US audiences for three reasons: first, that Ireland and Britain are probably the two nations in the world that are emotionally closest to the US. The conflict in Ireland, often called "The Troubles," found its solution in large measure because of a brokered deal by America.</div> <bR> <div> Secondly, the film delivers an optimistic message about the civil rights movement that was based in America. Indeed, the protesters sing "We Shall Overcome."  Lastly, it provides a ringside view of a small town in Northern Ireland 30 years ago from the perspective of both civil rights leaders and soldiers. The cliché about understanding your history so it does not have to be repeated certainly applies here.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> "Bloody Sunday," though about the past, is much more about the future. If every world leader took the time to see and understand this film, only those who are in power simply for the sake<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FFCC66" FACE="Symbol" > </FONT> of power, and don't care about the people they govern, would not be moved to effect radical change in a non-violent manner. Violence has its place, but only after peace has been given a chance.</div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="621" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="617"><div> George O. Singleton  © 2002</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="617"><div> <A HREF="mailto:Reelmoviec@aol.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:Reelmoviec@aol.com"><U><U>Reelmoviec@aol.com</U></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>