tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807238897188927967.post6964891121674938714..comments2008-11-24T18:10:10.910ZAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00559413440743290550noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807238897188927967.post-44925931944725781472008-11-24T18:10:00.000Z2008-11-24T18:10:00.000ZPete, <BR/><BR/>I intend to review it at some point. It did not hit me in the way it did you. Maybe being there during it has given me a different perspective. Briefly, the beatings brought out anger although the pudding was over-egged in my view. At the moment - I need to watch it again - I think H3 was a better film. <BR/>I don't feel hostile to northern nationalism per se. I just sense there is a difference between it and republicanism. I dislike northern nationalism being dressed up as republicanism; the pretense that northern nationalist core ideas are somehow republican ones.AMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00559413440743290550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807238897188927967.post-2962036957374316672008-11-23T23:54:00.000Z2008-11-23T23:54:00.000ZAnthony,<BR/><BR/>keen to read your review of "Hunger" - went to see it last week and emerged in emotional chaos. I thought it was a stunning masterpiece.<BR/><BR/>I was 11 years old and living in Andytown at the time of the hunger strikes - and during it all my emotions veered from fear, extreme sadness, anger, and deep hurt. <BR/><BR/>I thought the latter emotion had left me as I grew older and became preoccupied with other things: work, family, mortgage etc.<BR/><BR/>This film - in the space of its 90 odd minutes was like putting my finger straight into the 1981 emotional mains again - it was totally overwhelming and left me feeling powerless against the fierce anger and sadness it induced.<BR/><BR/>I don't think a better film could have been made about this incredibly painful and distressing period.<BR/><BR/>I cannot, in all conscience, call myself a republican; I'm too wrapped up in the day-to-day concerns of paying bills, looking after family etc., so the term nationalist (which I know you are rather dispraging about) would suit my political outlook.<BR/><BR/>Nevertheless, I enjoy the honesty of your writing, and would really like to read your take on "Hunger".<BR/><BR/>I don't think I've ever felt as moved or as shaken by a film before.<BR/><BR/>ATB,<BR/><BR/>Pete M<BR/><BR/>(have to choose Anonymous as my sign in as I don't have an account)Pete Mnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807238897188927967.post-57718459597849508602008-11-11T06:14:00.000Z2008-11-11T06:14:00.000ZWhen Bobby Sands died and after reading his writings I became deeply moved by what you and your comrades were undertaking.I was spured to action -even though I grew up in England I got involved through the Troops out movement...I visited Belfast and Derry many times between 1981-91.I personally witnessed many tragic events and met many of the people involved..volunteers and grass root activists.Those years Tony truely changed me..I witnessed some of the most noble moments I have ever seen and met people with such dignity and strength that it humbeled me.I felt that I was witnessing a pure revolutionary socialist movement on the brink of victory...there was something almost spiritual about it...I left for America in 91 and have followed the events troughout the 90's and into the new Century..Your Blogs and "the Blanket" are a true inspiration and are totally reminisent of the spirit of resistence I saw back in the 70's and 80's...What has happened since..well you have more than adequately explained that.....I look forward to your blogs and writings..thank you for keeping that spirit alive...may your courage be wildly known.aricaiwdjtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09088849716713203934noreply@blogger.com