Hunger Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of guys in prison get really, really committed to their no-carb diet plan, which turns out to be a terrible idea.

🍿 Hunger: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Life in the Maze Prison

The film begins by depicting the harsh realities of life inside the Maze Prison in Northern Ireland. New IRA prisoner Davey arrives and is immediately subjected to the ‘blanket protest,’ refusing to wear a prison uniform and being confined to a cell covered in excrement. The film unflinchingly portrays the unsanitary conditions and the prisoners’ resistance through acts of defiance.

Escalating Protests

As the prisoners’ protests escalate, so does the brutality of the prison guards. Forced hair cuts, violent cell searches, and beatings become commonplace. One scene shows a prison guard, Lohan, visiting his elderly mother when he is assassinated, highlighting the cycle of violence and the impact on both sides of the conflict.

Bobby Sands and the Hunger Strike

The film shifts its focus to Bobby Sands, a leader within the prison, as he decides to embark on a hunger strike to protest the British government’s refusal to grant political prisoner status to IRA inmates. Sands engages in a powerful debate with Father Dominic Moran about the morality and potential consequences of his actions, showcasing his unwavering commitment to his cause.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Bobby Sands (Michael Fassbender): An Irish republican and IRA activist who leads a hunger strike in prison to protest the treatment of political prisoners.
• Father Dominic Moran (Liam Cunningham): A Catholic priest who attempts to dissuade Bobby Sands from going through with the hunger strike, questioning his motives.
• Raymond Lohan (Stuart Graham): A prison guard at the Maze Prison who is caught in the middle of the conflict between the prisoners and the authorities.
• Davey Gillen (Brian Milligan): A new IRA prisoner who joins the blanket protest, enduring the inhumane conditions of the Maze Prison.
• Gerry Campbell (Liam McMahon): An IRA prisoner who participates in the dirty protest and shares a cell with Davey Gillen, showcasing the prisoners’ resistance.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Bobby Sands: “I have my belief, and in all its simplicity that is the most powerful thing.” – Bobby Sands explains his unwavering conviction to Father Dominic Moran regarding his decision to undertake the hunger strike.

💰Box Office

• Budget: £1,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $154,084
• Worldwide Gross: $3,185,113

💥 Hunger Reviews

Personal Review

Watching ‘Hunger’ felt like being punched in the gut, but in a good way? It’s not entertaining, but it’s definitely a film that sticks with you. I’m not even that into historical dramas, but Fassbender’s acting is insane, and those long, silent scenes really create a heavy mood. That scene between Sands and the priest? Unbelievable. It made me think about the things people are willing to die for, and honestly, it was a bit depressing. But I would recommend it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Viewers interested in historical dramas”
  • “Fans of Michael Fassbender’s work”
  • “Individuals seeking thought-provoking films about political issues”
  • “Those interested in Irish history and the Troubles”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Disturbing imagery”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Nudity”
  • “References to political conflict”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “McQueen’s ‘Hunger’ is a masterclass in visual storytelling, a brutal yet beautiful depiction of unwavering conviction. Fassbender’s performance is transformative, embodying Sands’ physical and emotional decline with haunting realism. The film’s unflinching portrayal of prison life is both disturbing and deeply moving, making it an unforgettable cinematic experience.
• The Guardian: “‘Hunger’ is a raw, powerful film and an urgent reminder of this uniquely ugly, tragic, and dysfunctional period in British and Irish history. Michael Fassbender is frighteningly real.
• The Telegraph: “Steve McQueen’s unflinching look at Bobby Sands and the 1981 hunger strike is a visceral experience. The film’s strength lies in its refusal to shy away from the brutal realities of prison life, forcing viewers to confront the physical and psychological toll of Sands’ protest.

Audience Reactions

Michael Fassbender’s dedication to the role is incredible and makes the movie so powerful.: Viewers praised Fassbender’s commitment to the role and his performance, noting that his physical transformation and emotional depth added immensely to the film’s impact.

The long, unbroken takes create a sense of tension and claustrophobia that is hard to shake.: Many highlighted the film’s innovative cinematography, particularly the long takes and the effective use of silence, as contributing to the overall atmosphere and emotional resonance.

Overall Consensus: ‘Hunger’ is a critically acclaimed, albeit difficult, film praised for its powerful performances, unflinching portrayal of prison life, and innovative cinematography. It is considered a must-see for those interested in historical dramas and challenging cinematic experiences.

Awards

1. Cannes Film Festival (Caméra d’Or)- 2008

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Michael Fassbender underwent a medically supervised crash diet to portray the physical deterioration of Bobby Sands, rivaling Christian Bale’s transformation in ‘The Machinist’.”
• “The film is known for its unbroken 17 minute 10 second continuous shot featuring Bobby Sands and Father Dominic Moran. Liam Cunningham and Michael Fassbender rehearsed this scene extensively, 12-15 times a day, in Fassbender’s apartment.”
• “Director Steve McQueen initially envisioned the film with minimal dialogue, aiming to emphasize the atmosphere and conditions inside the Long Kesh Maze Prison.”

🖥️ How to Watch Hunger?

As of October 2024, “Hunger” can be rented or purchased on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for availability on other streaming services. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Hunger, you might like these similar films:

• In the Name of the Father (1993): Explores the themes of wrongful imprisonment, injustice, and the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
• The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006): Depicts the Irish War of Independence and the subsequent Irish Civil War, examining the complexities of Irish republicanism.
• A Prophet (2009): A crime drama set in a French prison, focusing on the protagonist’s moral compromises as he navigates the harsh prison environment.

🛒 Hunger Related Products

• Hunger (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A Criterion Collection edition with special features, including interviews with cast and crew, offering deeper insights into the film’s creation and historical context. A must-have for serious cinephiles and fans of the film.
• Michael Fassbender Movie Poster: High-quality print featuring Michael Fassbender as Bobby Sands, capturing the intensity and emotion of his performance. Perfect for displaying in a home theater, office, or bedroom. Makes a great gift for movie buffs and fans of Fassbender.
• Irish History Documentary Collection [DVD]: A collection of documentaries covering the history of the Irish Troubles, providing context and deeper understanding of the events depicted in ‘Hunger.’ Explore the political, social, and cultural factors that led to the conflict.
• The Wind That Shakes the Barley [DVD]: Companion movie that explores the Irish War of Independence. It offers viewers a broader understanding of the conflict and its impact on Irish society.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Industry” – performed by Maya Beiser

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

🤨 FAQ

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