The critically acclaimed 2009 Irish thriller Five Minutes of Heaven is now available to stream for free on RTÉ Player. Directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel, best known for the German historical drama Downfall, and written by Guy Hibbert (Omagh), the film is loosely based on real events in Northern Ireland.
The plot follows Joe Griffin, played by James Nesbitt, who witnesses his brother’s murder by the teenage leader of a UVF cell in the 1970s. Thirty years later, Joe is set to meet his brother’s killer, Alistair Little, portrayed by Liam Neeson, on live television as part of a peace initiative. However, Joe has a hidden agenda—he is not there to reconcile but to take revenge.
With intense performances from Nesbitt and Neeson, Five Minutes of Heaven showcases a gripping exploration of guilt, forgiveness, and the aftermath of conflict. Despite a limited theatrical release in some regions and a TV airing in the UK, the film is now accessible to a wider audience, offering a tense, powerful experience.
The movie has received positive reviews, with many praising the performances and suspense. NYC Movie Guru describes it as a “90-minute tour de force,” while Reeling Reviews commends Nesbitt for his “searing” portrayal. The Seattle Times calls it a “tour de force” driven by two stellar Irish actors.
Five Minutes of Heaven is available for free streaming to viewers in Ireland on the RTÉ Player.
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