Five Minutes of Heaven Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A reformed hitman and a vengeful brother meet on a TV show, then decide to settle their differences with a slightly underwhelming fistfight.

🍿 Five Minutes of Heaven: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The 1975 Killing

In Lurgan, Northern Ireland, 1975, 17-year-old Alistair Little, a member of the UVF (Ulster Volunteer Force), murders Jimmy Griffin, a Catholic, in his own home. The brutal act is witnessed by Jimmy’s younger brother, Joe, who is playing soccer outside. Alistair is arrested and serves 12 years in prison.

Thirty-Three Years Later

Thirty-three years later, in 2008, a television company arranges a meeting between Alistair (now played by Liam Neeson) and Joe (James Nesbitt). The TV program aims to foster reconciliation, but Joe is secretly seeking revenge for his brother’s murder. This meeting is fraught with tension as both men grapple with their pasts and present.

The Televised Meeting Falls Apart

As the televised meeting approaches, Joe becomes increasingly agitated and refuses to participate. He carries a knife, intending to kill Alistair. However, a runner for the TV crew, Vika, begins to influence Joe with her empathetic perspective. The meeting is ultimately called off due to Joe’s emotional state.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Alistair Little (Liam Neeson): A former UVF member haunted by the murder he committed as a teenager, seeking redemption through reconciliation.
• Joe Griffen (James Nesbitt): The younger brother of Alistair’s victim, consumed by anger and seeking revenge for his brother’s death.
• Young Alistair Little (Mark Ryder): A seventeen year-old UVF member who murders Jimmy Griffin in front of his younger brother Joe.
• Vika (Anamaria Marinca): A sympathetic member of the TV crew who is caught in the middle of Alistair and Joe.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Alistair Little: “For me to talk about the man I have become, you need to know about the man I was. We’re all in this together and we all have to do somethin’.” – Alistair explains his background and motivations for joining the UVF as a teenager, highlighting the sense of duty and siege mentality prevalent at the time.
• Joe: “Not good for me? My five minutes of heaven!” – Joe responds to Vika’s question of if killing Alistair would be good for him, expressing his desire for revenge.

💰Box Office

• Budget: None
• Domestic Gross: $15,676
• Worldwide Gross: $364,355

💥 Five Minutes of Heaven Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘Five Minutes of Heaven’ to be a surprisingly moving film. The performances by Liam Neeson and James Nesbitt were just phenomenal. Seeing the raw emotion and internal struggles both characters were going through really hit home. The ending, though perhaps not perfect, left me with a lot to think about regarding forgiveness and the long shadow of violence. Definitely a film that stays with you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Liam Neeson and James Nesbitt”
  • “Those interested in dramas about the Northern Ireland conflict”
  • “Viewers who appreciate character-driven stories”
  • “Audiences seeking thought-provoking films about forgiveness and revenge”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Themes of trauma and grief”
  • “May be disturbing for sensitive viewers”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “Very good at stating the obvious but fails to bring new insight to this age-old morality tale. It’s well-acted, directed, and produced, yet never quite transcends its familiar themes.
• Empire Magazine: “A powerful drama driven by strong performances, though sometimes predictable in its approach. It explores the complexities of forgiveness and the lasting impact of violence.

Audience Reactions

James Nesbitt’s electrifying performance as Joe Griffin.: Viewers praised the film’s raw emotional intensity and the complexities of the characters.

Liam Neeson’s portrayal of a man grappling with his past.: Many appreciated the film’s balanced perspective, showing the lingering effects of violence on both sides.

Overall Consensus: A powerful and emotionally resonant drama exploring the themes of forgiveness and reconciliation in the context of the Northern Ireland conflict, driven by strong performances from Liam Neeson and James Nesbitt.

Awards

1. Sundance Film Festival (Directing)- 2009
2. Sundance Film Festival (World Cinema Screenwriting Award)- 2009

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Liam Neeson, who was raised Catholic, portrays a Protestant character, while James Nesbitt, who was raised Protestant, plays a Catholic character. This casting choice adds a layer of complexity to their roles.”
• “The film won awards for Directing (Oliver Hirschbiegel) and Screenwriting (Guy Hibbert) at the Sundance Film Festival in 2009.”
• “The opening segment of the film set in the 1970s was praised for its realistic portrayal of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, highlighting the cold brutality of the violence.”

🖥️ How to Watch Five Minutes of Heaven?

Five Minutes of Heaven is available for streaming or purchase on several platforms. Check services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu for rental or purchase options. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Five Minutes of Heaven, you might like these similar films:

• In the Name of the Father (1993): Explores the impact of the Troubles on families and the struggle for justice in the face of political conflict, focusing on wrongful convictions.
• Michael Collins (1996): Depicts the Irish struggle for independence and the complex moral choices faced by those involved in violent conflict, set against a backdrop of political upheaval.
• ’71 (2014): A British soldier gets separated from his unit during a riot in Belfast in 1971. He has to survive the night as he’s hunted by paramilitaries.

🛒 Five Minutes of Heaven Related Products

• Liam Neeson Ultimate Collection [Blu-ray]: A Blu-ray collection featuring several of Liam Neeson’s most acclaimed performances, allowing fans to explore the depth and breadth of his acting career. Includes Taken, The Grey, Unknown, Run All Night and A Walk Among The Tombstones.
• Northern Ireland Conflict History Book: A comprehensive history book detailing the events and key figures involved in the Northern Ireland conflict, providing context and deeper understanding.
• James Nesbitt Signed Photo: A photo autographed by the exceptional actor James Nesbitt, perfect for collectors and fans of his work, especially those impressed by his performance in this movie.
• Forgiveness and Reconciliation in a Violent World: Non-fiction book about overcoming struggles through forgiveness and reconciliation. This could be used as a companion piece to the message of the film and expand on your understanding of the topic.

🎧 Soundtrack

Five Minutes of Heaven features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “A Glass of Champagne” – performed by Sailor
• “Requiem” – performed by Mozart

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Liam Neeson: Five Minutes of Heaven (“What Society Must Do”) Monologue

Ever wondered what drives a person to commit terrible acts? Liam Neeson’s monologue in “Five Minutes of Heaven” gives you chills as he dives deep into the mind of a young man consumed by violence during The Troubles. His insight is truly disturbing yet fascinating – you have to check it out!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=hTRWgR-uero

✨ Rate