Customer Reviews

Nothing Personal [VHS]

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have been studying late modern Irish history for a few years now and this is one of the best works depicting Northern Irish life that I have seen. Not only were the 1970s a confussing time in Northern Ireland, but more than likely Catholics and Protestants alike found themselves on opposite ends of the battlefield from some of thier closest childhood friends. I think that the movie vividly gives the viewer an understanding at just how complicated the situation in Northern Ireland really was during the early years of the Troubles. The film shows that things like violence and peace were not always as black and white as they seemed. Although the movie may leave the lay-person a little in the dark at times when dealing with some of the deaper issues involved, it does get the point across that the violence in Northern Ireland was very confusing and not everything was as it was thought to be. Even for the people educated in Northern Irish history it may take a few viewings to catch all the little subtalties that make this film a real find.

Nothing personal is set in Northern Ireland during the 1970's, when the Troubles were at their height. The story centers on one memorable night when two former friends, one a UVF member and the other a humble catholic fatehr raising two children. The meaning of the title is most likely a comment on the war that has been going on for years, that the war is no longer about personal hated toward a specific person for anaction they had done, but for just what they represent. The movie isn't that centered but the ending does give off the message very clearly: Violence is wrong. Duh! We know that but the message comes heartbreakingly and most unfairly, but then again all violence is unfair.