H3 (film)

H3poster

H3 is a 2001 Irish drama film directed by Les Blair. The film is set during the 1981 Irish hunger strike and focuses on the lives of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) prisoners in the Maze Prison (also known as the H-Blocks or Long Kesh).

Plot

The film follows the story of several IRA prisoners who participate in the hunger strike led by Bobby Sands. The narrative delves into the personal and collective struggles of the prisoners as they endure the physical and psychological challenges of the strike. The film portrays the prisoners' determination to achieve political status and the impact of their protest on their families and the broader political landscape in Northern Ireland.

Cast

• Brendan Mackey as Bobby Sands
• Aidan Campbell as Raymond McCartney
• Derek Halligan as Tommy McKearney
• Kieran O'Reilly as Patsy O'Hara

Production

The film was produced by H3 Productions and filmed on location in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The screenplay was written by Laurence McKeown, a former IRA prisoner who participated in the 1981 hunger strike, and Brian Campbell.

Reception

H3 received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of the hunger strike and the performances of its cast. The film was praised for its historical accuracy and emotional depth, providing a poignant insight into a significant period in Irish history.

Historical Context

The 1981 Irish hunger strike was a pivotal event in the Troubles, a conflict in Northern Ireland that spanned from the late 1960s to 1998. The hunger strike was initiated by IRA prisoners to protest against the British government's refusal to grant them political status. The strike resulted in the deaths of ten prisoners, including Bobby Sands, who was elected as a Member of Parliament during the protest.

See also

• 1981 Irish hunger strike
• Bobby Sands
• Maze Prison
• The Troubles
• Irish Republican Army

External links

H3 at IMDb