Five Minutes of Heaven
To avenge his brother's murder would be his Five Minutes of Heaven
From Academy Award-nominated director of Downfall comes Five Minutes of Heaven, a dramatic thriller inspired by true events. Twenty years after witnessing the murder of his brother, a man is reunited with the murderer on national television to reconcile, but he has a plan of his own...
Member Reviews
Fantastic - Reillygirl
This was such a well acted movie. They really picked great actors for the parts. Wasn't at all what I was expecting but was still extremely happy with the movie. Great to see Liam being able to use his real accent. I would recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys movies based on real life events.Can't recommend - Babenoname
Without even attempting to explain what this movie is about, Five minutes of Heaven felt more like five hours of something dreadful.
The movie starts out extremely slow, but that wouldn't be the worst thing. Some movies actually pick up and end up being great. Not this one. The story is not round, there's no character introductions thereby not giving the viewer a way to form attachment to any of the characters. I promise the only character in this movie I had any sort of sense for was the little boy shown bouncing a soccer ball against a wall. Imagine if that's the most remarkable scene. And the movie just gets more confusing with voice overs. That's where I completely lost track and interest. I wasn't sure if Liam Neeson was talking or if it's James Nesbitt's crazy talking, one voice was speaking over the other's image. There's no timeline, I felt like I was shifted back and forth about 20 years or so. I would not recommend this movie to anyone unless I wanted to punish them.Impressive Intelligent Cinema - Stitch
Certainly one can cavil at the occasionally portentous tone but this viewer was mesmerized by what I suggest is an unusually innovative exploration of emotions unique to us humans…guilt, remorse and forgiveness. Using the Troubles in Ireland as a context, it skillfully dissects the sometimes banal heart of terrorism and the torturous road to recovery that must eventually confront a maturing perpetrator and victim.
Director Oliver Hirschbiegel does not do ‘thrillers’. His fascination is with the heart of evil and his Downfall (the last days of Hitler) and prior to that Das Experiment (a take on the Stamford Experiments) are in my opinion among the finest of this genre. This latest attempt is a slighter version, I agree, but again he coaxes extraordinary efforts from the cast. Not a false note, with the usual deft inclusions to reinforce shifts in emotional emphasis (runner from Vladivostok).
But what truly sets this cinematic treatment effort apart is James Nesbitt; no doubt he’s the reason this slimmer treatment of a serious subject won a bunch of awards. His range and his subtlety of emotional transition ranks among the finest--and no doubt he would equally credit the direction. It would be tempting to overdo it for effect but here they refuse to play down to the audience. It is believeable reality.
Neeson is competent as the foil in a role that is much less demanding. Agreed he is not dealt a very convincing final scene. But a nice touch on Liam’s barren apartment. And overall the spare settings befit the relational environment.
This is not the masterpiece of Downfall since here we deal with a more truncated local happening and more personal environment. But the moral thrust is universal and the journey to resolution truly awards your consideration. And let me underscore again that James Nesbitt’s performance is a tour de force. Enjoy.
Very highly recommended for mature viewers, particularly those of contemplative bent.
Member Reviews
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Fantastic - Reillygirl
This was such a well acted movie. They really picked great actors for the parts. Wasn't at all what I was expecting but was still extremely happy with the movie. Great to see Liam being able to use his real accent. I would recommend this movie to anyone ...Can't recommend - Babenoname
Without even attempting to explain what this movie is about, Five minutes of Heaven felt more like five hours of something dreadful.
The movie starts out extremely slow, but that wouldn't be the worst thing. Some movies actually pick up and end up being ...Impressive Intelligent Cinema - Stitch
Certainly one can cavil at the occasionally portentous tone but this viewer was mesmerized by what I suggest is an unusually innovative exploration of emotions unique to us humans…guilt, remorse and forgiveness. Using the Troubles in Ireland as a context, ...