Five Minutes of Heaven

Five Minutes of Heaven

Year: 2009

Runtime: 89 min

Language: English

Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel

DramaThrillerCrime

In 1975 Northern Ireland, sectarian violence simmers beneath the surface. Alistair Little, a 16-year-old loyalist extremist, seeks validation through bloodshed. When he kills James Griffin, Joe, the 11-year-old brother, witnesses the horror firsthand. Thirty years later, their paths converge in a tense encounter aimed at reconciliation, but Joe harbors a deadly secret: to confront and exact vengeance on his brother's killer live on air.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Five Minutes of Heaven (2009)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Five Minutes of Heaven (2009). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1975 - 2008

The film spans over three decades, beginning in the throes of the violent Northern Irish Troubles in 1975 and moving to reconciliation efforts in 2008. This period was marked by intense sectarian conflict, deeply affecting communities and individuals. The stark contrast between the past and the present highlights the struggle for peace and the enduring scars left by violence.

Location

Lurgan, Northern Ireland

Lurgan is a town in Northern Ireland that became a focal point during the turbulent times of the Northern Irish Troubles. Known for its local communities and divided loyalties, the town turned into a battleground between the Irish Republican Army and loyalist factions. The haunting backdrop of violence and revenge marks the setting for pivotal events that shape the characters' lives in the film.

🏴‍☠️ Conflict 🏘️ Neighborhood

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:48

Main Characters – Five Minutes of Heaven (2009)
Meet the key characters of Five Minutes of Heaven (2009), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Alistair Little (Liam Neeson)

Alistair Little is a complex character, embodying the struggles of a man who once sought violence as a leader of the UVF. His journey towards understanding and remorse becomes evident when he confronts Joe Griffin years later. Despite his past actions, Little seeks a path toward redemption and encourages others to move beyond vengeance.

👤 Perpetrator 💔 Regret

Joe Griffin (Anamaria Marinca)

Joe Griffin is a deeply scarred individual driven by the desire for revenge against his brother’s murderer. His character illustrates the effects of childhood trauma and the tangled emotions that arise when confronted with his past. As tensions escalate, Joe’s journey reflects the challenge of reconciling anger with the need for peace.

👤 Victim's Brother 🔥 Anger

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:48

Major Themes – Five Minutes of Heaven (2009)
Explore the central themes of Five Minutes of Heaven (2009), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🗡️ Revenge

Revenge serves as a powerful theme in 'Five Minutes of Heaven,' illustrating the cycle of violence and its profound impact on individuals. Joe Griffin seeks retribution for his brother’s murder, showing how deeply rooted anger drives him. However, the film also raises questions about forgiveness and the possibility of moving on from the past.

🤝 Reconciliation

The theme of reconciliation is central to the narrative as the story explores the meeting between perpetrator Alistair Little and victim's brother Joe Griffin. It delves into the challenges faced in seeking forgiveness and understanding amidst the background of historical trauma. Ultimately, the film poses significant questions about healing in the aftermath of personal and collective violence.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:48

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