The Journey

Watch The Journey

"The Forgiveness Journey is a feature documentary exploring the issues of forgiveness, compassion and second chances."
  • NR
  • 2015
  • 49 min

The Journey is a 2015 drama film directed by Nick Hamm, starring Timothy Spall, Colm Meaney, John Hurt, and Freddie Highmore. The movie takes place in Northern Ireland, during the period of the peace talks between the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Féin. The film is based on real events that occurred in 2006 in Scotland.

The beginning of the movie introduces us to two arrogant political enemies, Ian Paisley (Timothy Spall), the Democratic Unionist Party's founder, and Martin McGuinness (Colm Meaney), Sinn Féin's former Irish Republican Army (IRA) leader. They do not seem to like each other, and their animosity is reflected by their initial icy exchanges.

The Journey features a fictional account of a car journey that the two leaders took together in Scotland in 2006, before the opening of the peace talks. The two men are forced to share a ride when their flights are cancelled, and in a series of dramatic twists and turns, they find themselves reluctantly working together to resolve political issues.

Timothy Spall delivers an outstanding performance as Ian Paisley, a man known for his staunch and unfaltering beliefs. Spall flawlessly portrays Paisley's insecurities and self-righteousness without crossing over into caricature. His comical timing adds great depth to a character many individuals would be hesitant to root for.

Colm Meaney's performance as Martin McGuinness is an exquisite counterpoint to the more serious Ian Paisley. His combination of charm, humor, and sincerity is a welcome departure from the intensity of the DUP leader. Meaney's ability to capture McGuinness's wry wit and steely determination is a key component of the movie's success.

John Hurt plays Harry Patterson, a fictional intelligence agent and the only other character in the car ride apart from the two protagonists. Hurt's portrayal of Patterson adds much-needed levity to the movie and provides an intellectual reprieve from the intense dialogue between Paisley and McGuinness.

The screenplay is credited to Colin Bateman, a skilled writer who punctuates the movie with moments of humor that keep the mood light and prevent the story from getting too heavy. Bateman's script is the glue that binds the entire film, and it is his writing that allows the actors to shine.

The production values are superb, featuring stunning landscapes of Scotland and Northern Ireland. The filmmakers make excellent use of the setting, highlighting the beauty of the countryside and creating an inspiring backdrop that enhances the on-screen performance. The cinematography by Greg Gardiner is superb, with concise camera work that never distracts or detracts from the story. The musical score by Stephen Warbeck provides the perfect accompaniment to the movie's emotional moments.

A standout feature of The Journey is Nick Hamm's direction. He keeps the focus on the two men in the car while at the same time allowing for moments of sunlight humor. Hamm also deserves recognition for his ability to stage a film that features two individuals who so clearly dislike each other. By taking advantage of their chemistry, he generates some of the movie's standout moments.

The Journey is a fascinating social and political drama that provides audiences with the underlying historical background of the peace agreement that occurred in 2008. It highlights the adversarial nature of politics, the art of compromise, and the value of human decency. It explores the traitorous nature of the sectarian violence, providing a snapshot of what happens when diametrically opposed parties find themselves in a confined space.

In conclusion, The Journey is an excellent movie that presents an intriguing exploration of history, politics, and the human condition. The film is a convincing portrayal of two prominent political figures, and the dialogue is incisive and relevant. The car journey provides a unique window into the personal and political life of Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness, and the movie is a compelling and thought-provoking look at one of the most significant historical events in Northern Ireland's recent past. It is a must watch for anyone interested in politics, history or human drama.

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Description
  • Release Date
    2015
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    49 min