An inspiring and heartbreaking film about one of the major leaders in Ireland’s fight for independence. The director and the producer took great care in reproducing Dublin during the rebellion period, including the 1916 firefights. More importantly, the characters are well-developed and the terrible, beautiful costs involved are not whitewashed. Internal politics also add to the threats, culminating in a sad civil war.

Throughout, the Irish love of word play and irreverent humor during even the darkest moments crops up. For example, during the handover of Dublin Castle from the British to the Irish, Liam Neeson (playing Michael Collins wonderfully) pokes fun at the stiff-necked British commander, who’s wearing an ostentatiously plumed hat: “Do I get to wear that hat now?” ;-)
My only critique is negligible: during the killings, the musical score/dark chords go over the top, aurally detracting from the scenes. However, the Irish tunes and uilleann pipes are lovely.

Alan Rickman perfectly cast! Julia Roberts not so much - wonder why they couldn't find an Irish actress. I'd also have liked to see an Irish actor (instead of Aidan Quinn) play Harry Boland. I almost stopped watching close to the beginning because for some bizarre reason they showed Patrick Pearse being hauled out of the captured rebels as though he was lurking, when in fact he was the bravest of the brave and had in real life surrendered in order to stop the killing of innocent people. That might seem a small detail to some, but why not get it right?!

Excellent film about one of the leaders who led the struggle for Irish independence early in the 20th Century. Great performance by Liam Neeson as Collins.

Terrible film. Unless you were versed in the historical events (I was not) you have difficulty understanding what's behind the revolt and where it was headed.

Enjoyed this film, learned a thing or two, nothing wrong with Julia Roberts performance, long live the Irish.

A good biopic of the Irish revolutionary and leader Michael Collins. Neeson inhabits the lead very well indeed, giving a forceful, compelling performance. Rickman, Rea, and Quinn are good in supporting roles. The only real question mark of the film is in the casting of Julia Roberts, who just doesn't fit the role.

Interesting biopic. Liam Neeson was full of p*ss and vinegar, and the perfect choice for the role. Whomever was responsible for casting Julia Roberts as his obligatory love interest, however, must've had one too many pints. Her attempt at an Irish brogue was atrocious. And Brandy30 -- I completely agree that flipping over the disc to watch the B side is soooo distracting; completely kills that momentum! And I applaud you for contacting your librarian about the scratched DVD. They are under-appreciated, and deserve a good laugh. Also, your boss called and said you're fired for watching movies at work.