38/24
Let me start by saying that the production of this series is excellent, the acting is great and the overall story is gripping
Chronology
Spanning four tumultuous decades during the Northern Ireland turmoil, the real Dolours Price was married to Irish actor Stephen Rea for two decades (1983-2003). During this time, Rea appeared in the film for which he is probably best known in the United States: the 1992 romantic thriller The Crying Game. In this film, Rea plays Ferguson, a highly reluctant and ambivalent member of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) – the same organization that Price was involved with for many years. As someone from Northern Ireland, it is always nice to see anything from here on TV or film, but it usually feels like a “B” production at best.
This sort of thing is usually only of interest to people from the island, those directly involved or history buffs
I am happy to say that this is not the case with Say Nothing, this series was so well made that I imagine it will be watched and praised by people all over the world. But I think it will appeal to a wider audience as it is presented as a drama series with characters at its heart. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched something and heard a Northern Irish accent massacred to the point of cringing. I always thought to myself “if only we had a few top actors (who aren’t Liam Neeson) to play these roles”.
I’m not sure where they’ve been hiding but they finally found them!
The acting was excellent throughout the show and it’s great to see some homegrown talent getting some much needed and deserved recognition. I wasn’t familiar with most of the cast of this series but if at least one or two don’t become household names in the UK I’ll be surprised (especially the actors playing the Price sisters). I haven’t read the book but I imagine it’s more historical and focused on the facts of the riots. The show definitely takes this into account, given the historical and cultural impact, although it is largely character driven.
My only gripe with the show is that the narrative of the riots was, in my opinion, a bit one-sided
It does a great job of developing the characters and showing all sides of the story, showing a lot of emotion in people we would probably rather see as one dimensional in real life. Of course, it focuses on the IRA/Republican movement, so it’s no surprise that they are seen as the main characters. However, there are two sides to the conflict in Belfast and it seems that the Protestant/Unionist side has been completely ignored. That said, I think they did a good job of showing how ugly things have become and how the lines between right and wrong have become blurred, even in times of war and even when you are convinced that your opinion is the only right one.
I expect it will be difficult for many people to watch, especially those directly affected and those who may still be grieving the loss of loved ones
I hope people can enjoy it for what it is, an excellent piece of television on a subject that most of the world may have forgotten about or not even heard of, and I hope that prejudice doesn’t get in the way of enjoying a good show.