Michael Collins

UK/US, 1996
U.S. Release Date: 10/11/96 (limited), 10/25/96 (wide)
Running Length: 2:12
MPAA Classification: R (Violence, profanity)

"There have been many famous Irish patriots before him, and a few since, but none conjures up as much emotion and mystery as the man who, in a span of six short years, brought a country from bondage to a position where she could win her freedom. There are few left alive who remember Michael Collins, but his shape looms large on the Irish horizon."

-Suzanne Barrett

TASK:

Write a brief biography and film review from a historical perspective of the film Michael Collins (1996) 15 extra bonus credits.

1) Review your notes on Michael Collins and the founding of the IRA.

2) Reference the lyrics (Big Fellah)  by Black 47. Identify the historical context of the first verse from our previous lesson. Who are the three individuals mentioned? 

    According to the web link in #3 below, what was Collins' role in the Easter Rising of 1916? Who is Eamon DeValera? What will his relationship with Eamon DeValera be like, later in life?

3) Review the Michael Collins page. Download it and keep it handy after you read it. You will want to access it to write your critical review of the film from a historical perspective.

4) Watch the film. (it's rated R, [liberal use of profanity, violence; ] so be sure to get permission first!) Do the events you watch seem to match the events you read about ?

5) Write a brief summary of Collins' life. Do you agree with how his life is portrayed in the film? Why or why not? Has this lesson, or the film, increase your understanding of the founding of the Irish Republican Army? Can you agree with the statement that at the top this page?

6) Based on your study of the IRA of the 1970s-today, videotape - Sinn Fein and the Ira: Behind the Mask- click here for web link), what do you think the lyricist means in the line below?

Hey, big fellah..........where the hell are you now
When we need you the most

Submit a Word document of at least two double spaced typed pages, 750 words or more (for size reference, the Bracelet is 750 words.) Include an appropriate list of sources, using  citationmachine.net so I can just access them by clicking on them. As always, use your own words.

Be sure to save your work. Hand in the completed assignment to me no later than 2:30pm on Friday May 12th.