Directed by:
Pat O'ConnorCinematography:
Jerzy ZielinskiComposer:
Mark KnopflerCast:
Helen Mirren, John Lynch, Donal McCann, John Kavanagh, Ray McAnally, Tom Hickey, J.J. Murphy, Daragh O'MalleyPlots(1)
In the opening scenes of this politically-oriented drama, a killer enters the home of a policeman and in a shocking sequence murders him in cold blood -- an act that becomes the key to the rest of this film about the conflict between politics and life. Young Catholic, Cal (John Lynch) works in a slaughterhouse during the day and has participated in terrorist activities, but he wants out after he has been forced to drive a getaway car in the murder of the policeman. Meanwhile, he is slowly enchanted by Marcella, an older woman (Helen Mirren) who has just started working at the local library. Smitten but shy, Cal manages to ease himself into a job on her land, and when his father's home is burned to the ground by Protestants, Cal moves into a cottage on the woman's estate. Eventually, the two start a quiet liaison -- but Cal's inner turmoil disturbs the happiness he feels when he is with Marcella. Can he continue to hide his terrorist past from Marcella, who knows nothing about what he has done? (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Cast
Helen Mirren
UK
Best movies:
The Audience (2013) (theatrical recording)
Shakespeare Live! From the RSC (2016) (theatrical recording)
Prime Suspect (1991) (TV movie)
John Lynch
UK
Best movies:
In the Name of the Father (1993)
The Fall (2013) (series)
The Secret Garden (1993)
Donal McCann
Ireland
Best movies:
Out of Africa (1985)
Illuminata (1998)
Cal (1984)
John Kavanagh
Best movies:
Braveheart (1995)
Sinners (2002) (TV movie)
Inspector George Gently (2007) (series)
Ray McAnally
Ireland
Best movies:
My Left Foot (1989)
The Mission (1986)
Jack the Ripper (1988) (TV movie)
Tom Hickey
Ireland
Best movies:
My Left Foot (1989)
Inside I'm Dancing (2004)
Breakfast on Pluto (2005)
J.J. Murphy
UK
Best movies:
Angela's Ashes (1999)
Cal (1984)
Mickybo and Me (2004)
Daragh O'Malley
Ireland
Best movies:
The Last Place on Earth (1985) (series)
Sharpe's Battle (1995) (TV movie)
Sharpe's Siege (1996) (TV movie)