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During four turbulent decades during The Troubles in Northern Ireland
The real-life Dolours Price was married to Irish actor Stephen Rea for two decades (1983-2003). During this time, Rea appeared in the film for which he is probably best known in the United States: the 1992 romantic thriller The Crying Game. In that film, Rea plays Fergus, an extremely reluctant and ambivalent member of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) – the same organization with which Price was involved for many years. Let me start by saying that the production of this series is excellent, the acting is great and the overall story is engaging.
Usually, this kind of thing only interests people from the island, people who were directly involved in it, or history buffs
As someone from Northern Ireland, it is always great to see anything from there on TV or in film, but it usually feels like a “B-rated” production at best. I’m excited to say that’s not the case with ‘Say Nothing’, this series was the kind of thing we made that I think people all over the world will watch and praise. But I think it will appeal to a wider audience as it’s presented as a drama series with characters at its heart. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched something and heard the Northern Irish accent butchered to the point where I cringe.
We’re not sure where they’ve been hiding, but they’ve finally found them!
I always think to myself ‘if only we had some top actors (not Liam Neeson) to play these roles. The acting was excellent throughout the show and it’s great to see some homegrown talent getting some much needed and deserved recognition. I didn’t know most of the cast in this show, but if at least one or two of them aren’t native to the UK I’ll be surprised (especially the actors who played the Price sisters). I haven’t read the book, although I would imagine it’s more historical and factual about what happened during the Troubles.
The show is definitely mindful of the historical and cultural influence, although it’s mostly character-driven
It does a great job of developing the characters and showing all sides of the characters involved, and shows a range of emotions for people we’d probably rather see as one-dimensional in real life. My only gripe with this show is that I felt the narrative of the Troubles was slightly one-sided. The focus is of course on the IRA/Republican movement, as such it’s no real surprise that they are seen as protagonists. There are two sides to the Belfast conflict story though, and the Protestant/Unionist side seems to have been left out entirely.
I expect it will be difficult for many people to watch, especially those directly affected and those who may still be grieving the loss of loved ones
I think, as has been said, they did a good job of showing how ugly things have become and how the lines have become blurred between what is right and wrong, even in times of war and even when you are convinced that the only right opinion is yours. I hope people can enjoy it for what it is, a great piece of television on a subject that most of the world has perhaps forgotten or never heard of, and I hope that prejudice doesn’t get in the way of enjoying a good show.
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