The Troubles--an Unusual Aspect

[Elaine]

5 Minutes of Heaven is an unusual, absorbing story of young people caught up in neverending civil strife. This takes place in Ulster. A Protestant teenager cold bloodedly murders a Catholic young man, quietly watching a TV show in his home as the Catholic's young brother, stunned, watches.

The story then jumps about 20 years later when the Protestant requests that the now adult, married brother meet with him on a TV talk show. What transpires, on the road to the talk show, at it, and afterwards, make up the rest of the movie.

Can forgiveness ever be given? Should it be? Is revenge worthwhile? What can ever make up for the broken life of the young brother? Should society forget the murderer's act after he spent his 12 years in prison? Does the fact that he's devoting his life to convincing young terrorists to change their ways exonerate his own act of terrorism?

[Robin]

It sounds a lot like Little Dorrit, depressing as all get out, I am about cheeriness. I get enough drama in my day to day dealings.TBNT

[Elaine]

So don't watch it.

[Robin]

will do.