Hunger

The film begins with prison guard Raymond Lohan preparing for his workday, reflecting a sense of dread in his meticulous actions. He checks under his car for bombs and dons his uniform, symbolizing the tension of his environment as he chooses to remain disconnected from his coworkers.

A new IRA prisoner named Davey arrives at the prison and immediately refuses to wear the issued uniform, marking him as 'non-cooperative.' His defiance sets the stage for his tough journey as he is sent to his cell with only a blanket for comfort.

Upon entering the cell, Davey meets Gerry, who has transformed their shared living space into a grotesque display by covering the walls with feces. This act of rebellion highlights their shared defiance against the harsh prison environment.

On visiting day, Gerry's girlfriend audaciously smuggles a small radio into the prison, concealing it within her body. This act of subversion provides a brief escape from the grim reality for the inmates, symbolizing hope amidst despair.

Chaos ensues as prison officers violently remove inmates from their cells, brutally beating them in the process. This moment of sheer brutality culminates when Bobby Sands defiantly spits in Lohan's face, provoking an intense hand injury as Lohan retaliates.

Following the violent treatment, Sands and his fellow inmates are forced into second-hand civilian clothing, which sparks outrage. Sands tears apart his clothes, igniting a chain reaction among the other prisoners as they collectively rebel against their humiliation.

Tensions escalate further with the arrival of riot police, who rudely beat their batons against shields while threatening the prisoners. This intimidating display reinforces the power imbalance and danger that the inmates face from authorities.

In a contrasting moment, Raymond Lohan visits his elderly mother at a nursing home, showcasing both his vulnerability and the weight of his job. Tragically, this moment is cut short when he is shot in the back of the head by a mysterious IRA assassin.

Following Lohan's tragic death, the focus shifts primarily to Bobby Sands, who is deeply committed to his political cause. Sands firmly believes in the nobility of suffering for political recognition, setting the stage for his forthcoming hunger strike.

Sands engages in an emotionally charged debate with Father Dominic Moran over the implications of his hunger strike. Reflecting on a past decision where he chose to end the life of an injured foal, Sands draws a parallel to his own situation, revealing the depths of his conviction.

As the days progress, Bobby Sands’ condition deteriorates dramatically due to the hunger strike. Months of refusal to eat manifest through severe physical ailments including sores, kidney failure, and debilitating stomach ulcers, showcasing the toll of his protest.

Amidst his suffering, Sands confronts a new guard who exhibits his tattooed knuckles reading 'UDA'. Despite his weakened state, Sands musters the strength to stand and defiantly face the guard, emphasizing his unwavering spirit in the face of oppression.

In the final throes of his hunger strike, Bobby Sands is surrounded by his parents as he loses consciousness. On the 66th day of his protest, he passes away, leaving behind a powerful legacy of sacrificial resistance against the injustices faced by prisoners.