Michael Collins (1996)

Plot Summary

After the disastrous defeat of Irish rebels by superior UK forces during the Easter Rising, Michael Collins develops new strategies for the independence of Ireland. His tactics include what is now recognized as urban guerrilla tactics and organized assassinations of those Irish who work as informers for the UK government, and later members of British intelligence. Although Collins is conflicted about the necessity of this violent course, by 1921 the British are willing to negotiate. Sinn Fein President Eamon de Valera sends a reluctant Collins to London to negotiate a settlement. When Collins returns with a compromise of a partitioned Ireland and an Irish Free State, not a Republic, within the British Empire he is vilified by de Valera and repudiated by lifelong friend Harry Boland after Boland learns that his girlfriend Kitty Kiernan is in love with Collins. Collins is now faced with civil war as he struggles against those who insist on complete and unconditional independence for all of Ireland.

Release Date

Also Known As (A.K.A.)

Certification

Sensitive content guide

Awards

Golden Globes, USA (1997)

Golden Globe 1997

Nominated

Best Original Score - Motion Picture

Elliot Goldenthal

BAFTA Awards (1997)

BAFTA Film Award 1997

Nominated

Best Cinematography

Chris Menges

Academy Awards, USA (1997)

Oscar 1997

Nominated

Best Cinematography

Chris Menges

Oscar 1997

Nominated

Best Music, Original Dramatic Score

Elliot Goldenthal

Venice Film Festival (1996)

Golden Lion 1996

Winner

Golden Lion

Neil Jordan