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8 out of 11 people found the following comment useful :-
A surprisingly humorous re-telling of Brian Keenan and John McCarthy's hostage experiences in Beirut., 13 October 2004
9/10
Author: spanky_steph from Reading, England

I was in two minds about seeing this film; although I feel it's important to be reminded of both the awfulness and the greatness of the human spirit, I find it hard to stomach violence and cruelty. However, my social conscience overrode my ostrich-like nature and boy am I glad it did. Blind Flight, the story of Brian Keenan and John McCarthy's hostage experiences in Beirut back in the 1980s, is a surprisingly light-hearted and humorous film. Indeed it transpires that a lot of the ad-libbing that occurred during filming had to be cut from the final edit. This fact emphasises the closeness and the nature of the relationship between the two men, being founded on a wry humour that belied the reality of their situation. Ian Hart as Keenan and Linus Roache as McCarthy are phenomenally accurate in their portrayal of the two men, highlighting the differences between this 'odd couple' without ever resorting to caricature.

Although never shying away from the inevitable brutality that occurs when man is given ultimate power over man, all credit to the John Furse for giving a human face to the guards, and showing how 'good' and 'evil' are such subjective notions during political struggles. However the film was also careful to point out that even during such extreme situations, there is a right and a wrong way to treat people. This film made surprisingly little impact in the UK upon its release. I hope it finds the audience it deserves on DVD.

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9 out of 13 people found the following comment useful :-
An entertaining film where you learn a lot without realising it., 29 October 2004
10/10
Author: claudette-flint from Reading, England

How to convey five years captivity in one hour and a half with the whole range of contradictory feelings. This is what Blind Flight is about: Beirut 1985, the true story of Keenan and McCarthy kidnapped by a militant Muslim fundamentalist group. One expects immediately a vision of "baddies V Goodies" but the film is a lot more subtle and fairer than that. The Muslim guardians, despite their violence (Lebanon was in a state of war), remain human, and not stereotyped. In fact they appear as victims of politics and in the same time they reproduce the system they are fighting. What is remarkable is the way John Furse maintains your interest throughout an almost static film; for instance one of the kidnapper is proud to show them his new born baby but he is also proud of his new kalachnikof. The film is intelligent, moving, funny and thought provoking. My thought was "what would I do in their place?". McCarthy and Keenan give us a lesson of courage and wisdom we have been longing for for decades. They don't save the world, they broaden its mind by undergoing the kind of test that enlightens what is important in life.

We were very lucky to meet John Furse the director and McCarthy at the end of the show. They were as genuine, interesting and lucid as their film. John Furse's talent makes me look forward for his next film.

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6 out of 8 people found the following comment useful :-
A feel-good movie, with a tang, 13 October 2004
9/10
Author: eeu99hl from Reading England

This is a film about men, by men: their humanity and relationships. Excluding one cameo moment (and Mrs Thatcher) there are no women in the film. That it does not matter is the testament to the absolute universal held within this portrayal.

If you have already read the books, this is not a film version of either. The project was undertaken on its own account, starting before John was released. Rather, it zips all files and then presents us with a chance to see what it means to be suddenly plucked from your life.

Co-written by Brian, a lecturer in literature, author, and one of the two, it is a unique telling of a real story about the violence and cruelty that can arise from the human fear of difference. A telling that transcends both through acknowledgment. A must for veterans of hate, seekers of hope, and celebrants of the paradox that a crucible of human failure can fruit the better of gifts.

Men; simple, sparse, sincere. Real.

Iron John meets Alan Bennett. A rare achievement, and a gem on a plate for those with mentoring roles.

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7 out of 10 people found the following comment useful :-
You must see this film...., 14 October 2004
9/10
Author: Hun1 from Reading, England

Saw this film a couple of nights ago and I thought it was brilliant. The on-screen relationship between the 2 actors felt very real and the result is a sensitive and emotional film. The subject matter dealt with is highly relevant to the current middle east situation, so I urge everyone to see this film. I believe small films like this have trouble getting distribution compared to some of the trashy, light, money-generating commodities that pass as blockbusters these days. Outrageous! Demand to see this film at your local independent or art-house cinema. Let's support films that make you think, or teach you something about the world as well as entertain!

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9 out of 14 people found the following comment useful :-
Must Read!, 5 December 2004
Author: tiffanymcclymont4 from Brighton, England

I saw this movie recently at a showing in Brighton and listened to a talk by the director. This movie was brilliant. It's not normally the kind of movie i would choose to see but i'm so glad i did. It's an amazing story and one that everyone should no about. Its emotionally draining but well worth, it really makes you think and puts life into perspective.The story of these two men may not be known to many teenagers but it definitely needed to be told and John Furse has done a great job. Blind Flight is different and compelling, the directing is great and choice of location and actors make this movie incredible. I highly recommend this movie and urge you all to go and see it, and i wish John Furse the best of luck.

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5 out of 7 people found the following comment useful :-
Great film. Gripping realism, moving and poignant., 22 June 2004
10/10
Author: sfcol_77 from Sydney

This is a movie which succeeds in showing the hostage story with utterly convincing realism. The discipline of the direction and the lack of self-indulgence in the cinematography echoes the confined conditions under which Keenan and McCarthy survived for four and a half years. The triumph of this powerful and moving film lies in its refusal to demonise the captors, and to balance moments of intense suffering with humour and a surprising lightness of touch. The portrayal of the unlikely friendship between the two men and its redemptive power is finely drawn and superbly performed by Ian Hart and Linus Roache. The moment of their reunion is the emotional climax of the film. Not to be missed.

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7 out of 11 people found the following comment useful :-
Pleasantly Surprising!, 2 December 2004
Author: Luke Arnone (mrarnone@hotmail.com) from London, England

I recently watched a screening of Blind Flight at the Cosmat conference in Brighton and to be honest, I wasn't expecting much. Being the kind of person who generally watches mainstream movies, I thought that the fact this film is not widely recognised in the UK said it all. However I turned out to be very wrong, as I thought this movie was fantastic! The casting was very well done, and Ian Hart and Linus Roache were superb in this film, and fulfilled their characters roles very well. The film follows Brian Keenan and John McCarthy, an Irish teacher and an English Journalist captured and held hostage for 4 years in Lebanon during the 79-91 civil war. The film gives a real insight into the captive's emotions and feelings during this time, and being based on true events really makes you feel for the two men. I recently met the director John Furse and discovered that the film took 13 years to bring to UK screens, and the film was definitely worth the wait!

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2 out of 2 people found the following comment useful :-
Two men kidnapped by terrorists, what could be worse? One is British and the other is Irish...uh-oh!, 14 April 2004
6/10
Author: Gary Cabana (reel_reviewer)

This film is basically what you would call a 'two-hander' in theater parlance, as the main action revolves around two men who have been kidnapped in Beirut in the 1980's. Based on the true story (screenplay was co-written by the author) of Irishman 'Brian Keenan' who was kept in captivity for 4 1/2 years. Unlike your typical Hollywood prison film there are no attempts to keep track of time or even to escape, the main focus for Keenan (perfectly played by longtime character actor Ian Hart) is to stay physically and mentally alive while facing first solitary confinement and then shared captivity with a Brit, no less. Although the mismatched 'odd couple' might seem humorous at first, they soon learn to co-exist with each other and their captors in their own individual ways. Keenan is a natural rebel and tries a number of techniques to get information about the outside world, from hunger strikes to refusing to shave or wear 'prisoner clothes'. This attitude puts him at odds with some of the sadistic tendencies of his captors who routinely order the men to perform inane tasks or suffer beatings for no reason. If anyone ever has any question as to why a nation should use any means necessary to free political hostages, this film is it. A taut drama that will enhance your appreciation of the courage any survivor of captivity must demonstrate. I should also note that well-known British actor Linus Roache ("Hart's War") is equally excellent in portraying the easy-going journalist 'John McCarthy' (who was released a year after Keenan in real life).

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5 out of 8 people found the following comment useful :-
Everyone should watch this, 15 October 2004
10/10
Author: paul_bass1973 from Kent, England

If ever there was a film that should be witnessed by the masses, this is it. The remarkable true life story of Brian Keenan & John McCarthy, who in the mid 1980's were kidnapped by Muslim fundamentalists. We just watch the friendship that forms between these two men in isolation, from the first awkward moments to some profoundly funny times when laughter and the strength of courage and dignity come to the forefront.

I had the pleasure of watching a screening a few nights ago where John McCarthy, John Furse (director) and Ian Hart (Brian Keenan) were present. After speaking to them all they came across and very easy to talk to, no airs and graces - just three normal people who played their own parts in this remarkable story.

If you ever feel your life is bad and you have problems, just watch this film and you will realize that our own problems become insignificant to the problems of - will i ever get home? Will i be killed? Why do i get chained up like an animal or completely wrapped in tape with only a small hole for breathing?

All things which these 2 amazing people had to contend with, as well as constant self analysis.

Great film - Watch it!!

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2 out of 3 people found the following comment useful :-
Unexpectedly Good, 17 March 2004
8/10
Author: Matt Grover from West Sussex, England

I was a tad aprehensive about this film, purely because of the subject matter, I thought it would bore me to tears.

However I was pleasantly surprised, I saw this film at Pinewood Studios, at a screening set up with the British Society of Cinematographers, to be followed with a Q&A session with John Furse (Dir.) and Ian Wilson (DP), when it came to the end I had no technical questions to ask as the film was so engaging. The acting is brilliant and you can't help but be transfixed to the characters.

The overall look of the film is very well done, the lighting really acting as part of the narrative, as does the sound, instead of just making things look, or sound, nice.

Well worth watching, I saw a small review in Total Film, so I'm assuming it's on cinema release on some scale, if you don't catch it, get the DVD.

Matt

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