Michael Collins (1996)

Featuring: Liam Neeson, Julia Roberts, Aidan Quinn, Alan Rickman. Director: Neil Jordan

Warning: This movie will only stream for another week so act fast! You only have until April 6th.

Contrary to popular belief the Irish aren't a lucky people at all. In fact, I'd put them right up there with the Jews and anyone from Africa as being some of the unluckiest people in the world. Do you know how I know this? Anytime I've ever watched a movie about Irish history it has been partly inspirational but mostly tragic and depressing. If they weren't such a humorous, good-spirited and loyal people movies about them would be almost unwatchable.

This biographical tale follows the life of Michael Collins (played by Liam Neeson) who organized an uprising against the British Empire for Irish independence. For those of you who aren't very familiar with history, despite how classy the British sound, for the most part they were real sons of bitches for most of their history and ruled the world with an iron fist. This movie shows just how much respect they had for the Irish, very little.

Michael Collins' uprising was the first successful uprising against the British but it led to a controversial agreement that divided Ireland and led to even more violence. Some thought Collins a hero, others a traitor to the cause and this makes him a fascinating character study which Liam Neeson knocks out of the park.

I've always been a fan of Neeson and this just may be his best work. He gives a wonderful performance and supporting actors like Julia Roberts and Aidan Quinn give great performances as well. If you like historical biographies at all you should really check this one out. If you're Irish and have never seen this you need to queue it up right now. This is a really good movie.

To add this movie to your Netflix queue click here.

This movie will stream until 4/6/11.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I like historical biographies and Liam Neeson is always interesting.

Is it artsy? No.

What stood out the most to you? Neeson's intense performance.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Great acting, great story and a bit of violence.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 4 Stars. 

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The Bounty (1984)

First off, I need to say that The Bounty has an incredible cast. With Anthony Hopkins, Mel Gibson, Daniel Day-Lewis, Laurence Olivier and Liam Neeson it goes without saying that this movie was very well acted. This film was based on the book Captain Bligh and Mr. Christian and according to Wikipedia this is the fifth time this story was made into a movie. Sort of makes me think I should read the book.

Anyhow, this movie is about an English ship on it's way to Tahiti and once they get there and become infatuated with all the half-naked women a number of the men understandably aren't eager to leave. Captain Bligh (Hopkins) has to crack down pretty hard to get everyone back in line and Mr. Christian (Gibson) leads a mutiny and hardship ensues.

I thought this movie was good, and Hopkins especially gives an amazing performance. The plot rocks back and forth as much as the ship does and I could never quite figure out if I sympathized with the Captain or the crew until the very end. One thing I was certain of though is that I never could have made it as a sailor during the glory days of the British Empire. What a tough line of work that was. If you you like period pieces and your looking for a good movie with great acting give The Bounty a try.

Click here to add this movie to your queue.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? It had a loaded cast.

Is it artsy? No, just a good period piece.

Best thing about the movie? If you're a straight male, all the topless natives. If you're anyone else the performance by Hopkins.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? In the mood for a good adventure romp.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 4 Stars. 

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