VHS : Nothing Personal [1996]

Rating: - Mesmerising Film
"Nothing Personal" is a film about the darkest days of the Northern Ireland Troubles in the mid 1970's, which even today it is almost taboo to discuss. It was the time of a vicious terrorist campaign by the Provisional IRA ,of no-go areas for the security forces, no- warning bombs, vicious rioting and a cut throat serial killing campaign by loyalist paramilitaries. "Nothing Personal" captures the mood of this very frightening time perfectly. The acting ,characterisation and cinematography are first rate and the "factional" story line gripping. Despite the grim,malevolent atmosphere of the film, there are moments of humour and a decent 70's soundtrack featuring some well known hits of the time. The attention to detail is well observed too ;the 70's fashions, the cut throats battered ,old-style Ford Cortina and the rows of menacing back to back terraced streets are all spot on. The film also accurately reflects the political divisions within paramilitaries at the time, split as they were on both sides between hawks and doves. Of all the many post ceasefire films made about the Troubles , "Nothing Personal" is one of the best , but also one of the most harrowing to watch. Hard though it may be for many people in New Britain/New Ireland to believe today, "Nothing Personal" accurately shows what life was like in part of the UK not so long ago.

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Rating: - know the score
as i live in northern ireland this film corresponds very well with live in belfast in the 70's.it shows both sides , not like some others films such as some mothers son etc