by Logan Andrear

Created on: March 21, 2007   Last Updated: May 09, 2007

While it is flecked with some historical inaccuracies, Michael Collins is a fantastic film. This story of one of the key leaders of the Irish Republic Army is bolstered by superb acting from an all-star cast and a fast paced plot.

Liam Neeson stars as Michael Collins, who reinvented the strategies of the IRA in the early nineteen hundreds. After succumbing to British forces in 1916, Collins re-energizes the fight for an independent Irish state by organizing urban guerrilla warfare tactics. With the increased success of the IRA, the British agree to negotiate a settlement. Collins finds himself sent as a representative for the IRA. But can he negotiate success among politicians like he did among soldiers or is he just a pawn in a much larger game?

Neeson's portrayal is spot on as Collins rallies his army to fight for an independent Irish state. Neeson captures Collins charisma and wit as well as his fiery call to arms. While Collins is primarily a military strategist, Neeson's portrays a man with great intellect who fights only because he has to.

The fantastic performances only start with Neeson. Hollywood stalwarts like Julia Roberts, Aidan Quinn, and Alan Rickman all turn in great performances. But it is Stephen Rea who steals the scenes with his take on Ned Broy. Rea is wonderfully understated as one of the IRAs intelligence officers who helps Collins track the G-men. His stone face speaks more dialogue than any words can.

Many political dramas can become cumbersome and boring as they try to explain the politics behind a military confrontation. But writer/director Neil Jordan does a wonderful job of intermingling the politics with the action. The result is a fast paced drama which won't put you to sleep with political double talk.

While the movie was created as a biopic, several historical inaccuracies are scattered throughout. However, most of the errors are minor and the movie is more accurate than anything Oliver Stone has done.

Overall, Michael Collins is a wonderful bit of Hollywood cinema. With a wonderful story and many of Hollywood's elite actors you won't be disappointed.

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