Five Minutes of Heaven

R

Released Aug 21, 2009

1 hr. 30 min.

Drama

List

76%

45 Reviews

Tomatometer

60%

10,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

In 1970s Northern Ireland, young Joe Griffin watches in horror as the teenage leader of a UVF cell shoots Joe's brother dead. Thirty years later, peace is at hand, and Joe (James Nesbitt) is to meet his brother's killer, Alistair Little (Liam Neeson), on live TV. Unbeknownst to the TV crew, Joe is not there to reconcile with Alistair, but to kill him.

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Critics Consensus

Oliver Hirschbiegel's dramatic take on "The Troubles" is an actor's showcase -- and Liam Neeson and James Nesbitt are more than up to the challenge.

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Rebecca M

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. The story, the way it was told, and the acting. I thought Nesbit was great. He blew me away with the showing of the characters pain, and long suffering. Neeson also showed the true emotions of regret and remorse. I am surprised the movie wasn't better known. I had never heard of it, but was glad I clicked on it.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/13/23

Full Review

ronald h

Unforgettable performances by Nesbitt and Neeson. The film has somewhat of a documentary feel to it, it's so straightforward and unembellished. Critics are arguing about the conclusion, that's it's too quick and simple. But I don't think there was any good way to conclude this movie, because the issue really has no solution. But the main message is clear, and it's relevant for all time: Killing in defense of an ideology is still murder. A very powerful film. I've seen it twice.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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donna m

It had potential but no charchter development.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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john m

The dialogue is full of exposition and the over dramatic style gets in the way of the genuine pain you need to feel from these characters. Liam Neesen puts on a more subtle performance than you're used to seeing from him which is nice. The screenplay and direction are way too manipulative though.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

Seriously underrated indie flick that's satisfyingly somber and with powerful performances of enigmatic characters.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/04/23

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Audience Member

Pretty solid. Not the best movie but still a pretty interesting look at the chaotic existence between Catholics and Protestants in Ireland. Still though, I would've liked to see more of the conflict in general, as opposed to just focusing on these two men. Still though, pretty interesting.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/26/23

Full Review

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Oliver Hirschbiegel

Director

Liam Neeson

Alistair Little

James Nesbitt

Joe Griffin

Anamaria Marinca

Vika

Conor MacNeill

Dave

Richard Dormer

Michael

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David Fear

Time Out

Rated: 4/5

Nov 18, 2011

Full Review

Hank Sartin

Time Out

Rated: 2/5

Nov 17, 2011

Full Review

Joe Williams

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

A director whose breakthrough was the story of a madman's last stand has exceeded that feat with the story of an angry man's next step.

Rated: 3/4

Nov 5, 2009

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Not much happens in Five Minutes of Heaven, but what does happen proves to be moving and, at times, emotionally devastating.

Rated: 2.5/4

Sep 4, 2023

Full Review

Enrique Buchichio

Uruguay Total

Un drama reflexivo y quizs alegrico sobre las heridas que permanecen aos despus de un conflicto como el de Irlanda del Norte. Sus dos principales actores salen airosos de las quizs inevitables simplificaciones del guin.

Rated: 3/5

Mar 16, 2011

Full Review

Don Groves

sbs.com.au

Tense tale of guilt and atonement in Northern Ireland.

Rated: 4.0

Dec 24, 2010

Full Review

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Synopsis

In 1970s Northern Ireland, young Joe Griffin watches in horror as the teenage leader of a UVF cell shoots Joe's brother dead. Thirty years later, peace is at hand, and Joe (James Nesbitt) is to meet his brother's killer, Alistair Little (Liam Neeson), on live TV. Unbeknownst to the TV crew, Joe is not there to reconcile with Alistair, but to kill him.

Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel
Executive Producer: Paul Trijbits, François Ivernel, Cameron McCracken, Ed Guiney, Andrew Lowe, Patrick Spence, Stephen Wright
Screenwriter: Guy Hibbert
Distributor: IFC Films
Production Co: Ruby Films, Northern Ireland Screen, BBC Films, Irish Film Board, Big Fish Films, Bord Scannan Na hEireann, Pathé
Rating: R (Some Violence|Language)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 21, 2009, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 27, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $13.2K

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