Five minutes of heaven

"Five Minutes of Heaven" tells the story of two men on opposite sides of the Irish political divide, Alistair and Joe, superbly played by Liam Neeson and James Nesbitt. Alistair is a killer; Joe is the brother of the man he killed. One feels he dare not ask for forgiveness; the other feels incapable of giving it.

Based on a true story director Oliver Hirschbiegel has created a low-keyed, straightforward A truth-and-reconciliation drama that probes the delicate act of healing.

Years after the assassination a BBC producer has asked the two men to meet for the cameras, hoping the emotional confrontation will lead to "truth and reconciliation." Both agree, but for entirely different reasons - Alistair seeks to face his guilt head-on., while Joe wants revenge, and intends on having his "five minutes of heaven," damn the consequences.

Together with Guy Hibbert's insightful screenplay, director Oliver Hirschbiegel has created a low-keyed, straightforward film that delicately and thoughtfully probes the process of guilt, grief and hatred.
SHELLY JOHNSON