Some Mother's Son  (1996)

Ireland, 1996
U.S. Release Date: 12/27/96 (limited)
Running Length: 1:52
MPAA Classification: R (Profanity, violence, mature themes)

In 1979, when Margaret Thatcher assumed the role of England's Prime Minister, one of her stated aims was to crush the IRA and its associated "terrorism." Her "Northern Ireland Solution", as it became known, included three principles: Isolation, Criminalization, and Demoralization. Those members of the IRA captured for terrorist acts were to be treated as criminals, not soldiers. Prisons were to be used to break morale, not create martyrs.

 A widowed schoolteacher trying to raise a family of three, Kathleen despises the violent tactics employed by the IRA, and is shocked to learn that her oldest son is a member of the organization. Some Mother's Son explores Kathleen's difficulties in coming to terms with Gerard's beliefs. And, although she refuses to be "a stooge for violence", Kathleen fights for her son with every ounce of strength, effectively helping the IRA. From her perspective, she walks a precarious moral tightrope. Once the hunger strikes begin, Kathleen recognizes that an agonizing dilemma awaits. If Gerard loses consciousness, it will be up to her (as his next-of-kin) to decide whether or not he is given food. If she agrees to have him fed intravenously, she violates his convictions. On the other hand, in the words of a British official, "Surely no mother would allow her son to die."

James Berardinelli

TASK:

Write a review of the film from your independent research of the questions relating to the events listed below...for 15 extra bonus credits.

Discuss each of the Thatcher government's three principles listed above. For each, choose one or more scenes from the film and describe it to illustrate the principle.

Review the song Bobby Sands MP. What are the reasons for the Hunger strikes of 1981? Click on all the hyperlinks found on that page. Learn more about the Five demands and the hunger strikers. Describe them.

What is the designation 'MP'? What was the significance of this title for this person?

Who was Francis Hughes? Click on the link to read his story- do we see any parallels in the film?

How does the Thatcher plan backfire in the end? What happens to the hunger strike?

Do you think that the film is biased? Give examples.

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.