19/30
Narrative
The series spans four tumultuous decades during the Troubles in Northern Ireland
The real Dolours Price was married for two decades (1983-2003) to Irish actor Stephen Rea. During that time, Rea appeared in the film for which he is probably best known in the United States: the 1992 romantic thriller The Crying Game. In that film, Rea plays Fergus, an extremely reluctant and ambivalent member of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), the same organization that Price was involved with for many years. I will start by saying that the production on this series is excellent, the acting is fantastic, and the overall story is compelling.
Things like this usually only interest people from the island, those directly involved or history buffs
Being from Northern Ireland, it’s always nice to see something from here represented on TV or film, but it usually feels like a B-grade production at best. I’m thrilled to say that’s not the case with ‘Say Nothing’, this show was so good that I imagine it will be watched and praised by people all over the world. But I think it will appeal to a wider audience as it’s presented as a character-driven drama. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched something and heard the Northern Irish accent butchered to the point where it makes me cringe.
I haven’t read the book although I imagine it’s more historical and focuses on the events of the riots
I’ve always thought to myself, ‘if only we had some A-list actors (other than Liam Neeson) to play these roles.’ Well, I’m not sure where they were hiding, but they found them eventually! The acting was excellent throughout the show and it’s nice to see some local talent getting some much needed and deserved recognition. I wasn’t familiar with most of the cast of this series but if one or two didn’t end up becoming household names in the UK I’d be surprised (especially the actors who played the Price sisters). The show definitely takes into account the historical and cultural impact of the whole series although it’s mostly character focused.
My only reservation with this show is that I felt the narrative of the riot was slightly one sided
It does a great job of developing the characters and portraying all sides of the characters involved and showing a multitude of emotions for people who we’d probably prefer to see as one dimensional in real life. The focus is obviously on the IRA/Republican movement so as such it’s no real surprise that they’re seen as the main characters. However, there are two sides to the story of the Belfast conflict and it feels like the Protestant/Unionist side has been left out completely. That said, I think they did a good job of showing how bad things have gotten and how the lines between right and wrong have become blurred, even in wartime and even when you’re convinced the only correct opinion is your own.
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I expect it will be difficult for a lot of people to watch, especially those directly affected and those who may still be grieving the loss of loved ones. My hope is that people can enjoy it for what it is, a great piece of television on a subject most of the world may have forgotten or never heard of, and I hope that bias doesn’t get in the way of enjoying a good show. A new season of “Silo” is one of the biggest TV and streaming premieres this month.