Bobby Sands: 66 Days

The 2016 documentary film "Bobby Sands: 66 Days" opens a cold but mesmerizing window into the life and death of Bobby Sands, an Irish Republican who led a hunger strike in 1981 that changed the socio-political fabric of Northern Ireland. Directed by Brendan J Byrne and featuring voices like Gerry Adams, Michael Alison, and Humphrey Atkins, the documentary doesn't just serve as a biography of Sands, but rather as a broader historical excavation showcasing the tumultuous period of "The Troubles."

At the core of the documentary lies Bobby Sands, the brave-hearted young man who would eventually become an emblem of Ireland's struggle against British rule. Sands was a member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) who, along with his fellow inmates at Maze Prison, protested against the British government's decision to no longer recognize them as political prisoners but introduce what they saw as degrading prison uniform and conditions instead.

The narrative begins by setting the stage for a broader socio-political analysis, outlining the harrowing background of "The Troubles." This period of sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland saw the IRA, who sought to end British rule, clashing with both government forces and Protestant unionists wishing to remain part of the United Kingdom. Amidst this chaotic backdrop, Sands and his comrades begin what became known as the 1981 hunger strike.

The driving force of the movie is Sands' 66-day hunger strike - hence the title. It's a grueling, heart-wrenching journey that humanizes Sands beyond his political symbol status. Byrne masterfully pans his lens into Sands' psyche, exploring how his hunger strike was not only a form of protest but also a powerful symbol of self-sacrifice for a cause bigger than himself. The result is an intimate portrait of personal defiance against a backdrop of grappling political tensions.

The description of Sands' physical deterioration from the hunger strike is compelling, interspersed with interviews from insiders and experts familiar with the time period. Personal figures such as Gerry Adams, a prominent political figure and friend of Sands, lend their voices to recount this historical event with profound precision.

Brendan J Byrne utilizes different modes of storytelling throughout the documentary. The film is replete with Sands' prison diary entries, shared in voiceover by actor Martin McCann, which reveal the philosophies, motivations, and raw emotions of this remarkable man. Interspersed between dated archival footage and animation, Byrne paints a vivid picture of this time of political and social strife in Ireland.

Sands' political ambitions are also unraveled in the film. In the midst of his starvation, he contested from prison an Fermanagh and South Tyrone by-election and astonishingly won, adding a dramatic twist to the narrative and amplifying international attention on Britain's handling of the crisis.

Yet, the film doesn't sanctify Sands; it also explores criticisms against him, including his embrace of armed struggle and the extremity of the hunger strike method itself. It successfully maintains an intricate balance that makes Sands human and flawed while showcasing the immense impact of his sacrifice.

In addition to Sands' life and death, the documentary also plays a bigger role in revealing the historical era that was pivotal in the violent conflict between Britain and Ireland. Figures like Michael Alison and Humphrey Atkins, playing critical roles in the British government when Sands' hunger strike occurred, give perspectives that present a more well-rounded portrayal of the period.

"Bobby Sands: 66 Days" is a fascinating and poignant exploration of a man unyielding in his principles and a resonating testament to the complicated history of Northern Ireland. The potent stillness of watching Sands' relentless determination to his cause echoes long after the credits roll, prompting viewers to dive deeper into the unforeseen repercussions and profound consequences of personal and political decisions.