Synopsis
During four tumultuous decades during the Troubles in Northern Ireland
The real Dolours Price was married for two decades (1983-2003) to Irish actor Stephen Rea. During this period, Rea appeared in the film for which he is probably best known in the US: the 1992 romantic thriller The Crying Game. In this film, he plays Rea Fergus, a very reluctant and ambivalent member of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), the same organization that Price has been associated with for years. the series is great, the acting is great and the overall story is compelling.
at best production
For someone from Northern Ireland, it’s always great to see something from here on TV or in film, but I usually feel like it’s ‘B standard’. I’m happy to say that’s not the case with Don’t Say Anything – it was a series that I think will be watched and praised by people all over the world. Such things are usually of interest only to islanders, those directly involved, or history buffs. However, I think it will appeal to a wider audience because it is portrayed as a drama series with characters at its heart.
the accent is cut to the point where I cringe
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen and heard something about Northern Ireland. I always thought that if we had the best actors (besides Liam Neeson) playing these roles. We don’t know where they were hiding, but they finally found them! The acting has been excellent throughout the show and it’s great to see some homegrown talent getting some much needed and deserved recognition.
Historical and cultural influences are certainly factored into the show, although it is mostly driven by the characters
I didn’t know most of the cast on this show, but if at least one or two of them don’t become housewives, I’d be surprised (especially the actors who played the Price sisters). It does a great job of developing the characters and showing all sides of the characters involved and shows a lot of emotion in people we’d probably prefer to see as one dimensional in real life. My only gripe with this show is that I felt the talking about the issues was a bit one sided. Of course the focus is on the IRA/republican movement so it’s no surprise that they are seen as the main character.
to mourn the loss of loved ones
However, there are two sides to the story of the Belfast conflict and the Protestant/Unionist side seems to have been completely sidelined. I think they did a good job of showing how ugly things turned out and how the lines were drawn. blurring between right and wrong, even in times of war and even when you believe the only right opinion is yours. I hope people enjoy it for what it is, a great piece of television on a subject that most of the world may have forgotten or never heard of, and I hope prejudice doesn’t get in the way of enjoying a good show.