The Violent Enemy

The Violent Enemy is a British-Irish crime thriller that was released in 1967. It boasts a star-studded cast including Tom Bell, Susan Hampshire, and American Academy Award-winning actor, Ed Begley. A brainchild of Don Sharp, a director renowned for his work in British cinema, The Violent Enemy is rife with elements of suspense, drama, and action, making it a hidden treasure trove for vintage film lovers.

Set in 1960s Ireland, the movie begins with the central character, Sean Rogan, played by Tom Bell. Rogan is seen serving time in a British prison for his involvement in Irish Republican activities. His reputation as a proficient bomber precedes him, being highly skilled in the craft of explosives. Rogan is an engrossing character, not only shrouded in the mystery of his past but also fraught with a fascinating conflict as he walks the line between fighting for his cause and grappling with the criminal elements of his actions.

As fate would have it, Rogan gets an unexpected offer from a former commanding officer, now an Irish Republican leader, played by Ed Begley. Promising him freedom in exchange for his servitude in achieving a perilous objective, Begley’s character thrusts Rogan back into the world he dreads yet is profoundly adept at navigating. His mission, which forms the crux of the story, involves a risky venture which could have massive repercussion on oft-fragile Ireland-UK relations, yet it also carries the hope of advancing the cause the Republicans deeply care about.

The plot thickens even further when Sean Rogan's former love interest, played by Susan Hampshire, comes into the picture. The development of their relationship injects an emotional heartbeat into this largely crime-centered narrative, providing a human element mid the dangerous operations and serving as the moral compass pointing towards the deep-seated issues surrounding the cause they are involved in.

Apart from the intricately woven narrative, The Violent Enemy also makes use of its setting to add another layer of atmospheric suspense to the story. The rugged Irish countryside with its wild beauty contrasts starkly with the turbulent political landscape of the period. Furthermore, the harsh realities of the prison life that Rogan is drawn from and later sent back to add a sense of cold austerity to the narrative.

What works best for The Violent Enemy is its treatment of its characters. None of them are painted in broad strokes of black and white, instead, they are depicted as complex individuals each carrying their own convictions and uncertainties. Tom Bell's portrayal of Sean Rogan as a deeply conflicted yet determined character is both compelling and heartrending. His intrigue as a character lies in the moral ambivalence that he represents.

Ed Begley, known for his versatility, does justice to the role of the Irish Republican leader. His performance, coupled with his commanding screen presence, brings out the determined yet ruthless nature of his character, providing a foil to Rogan's conflicted morality.

Susan Hampshire gracefully portrays the role of Rogan’s former sweetheart, subtly portraying a woman forced to navigate the complexities of love, loyalty, and the dire political tension swirling around her. Her character adds a much-needed emotional balance to the high-stakes narrative.

Much like its characters, The Violent Enemy does not shy away from presenting the stark reality of civil unrest. From its depiction of prison life to the dangerous operations carried out by the Irish Republicans, the film paints an unfiltered picture of Ireland during the political upheaval of the ‘60s.

Behind the lens, Don Sharp's skillful direction ensures that the tension never dips, taking the audiences through a roller coaster ride of suspense, action, and drama. His knack for storytelling keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats while navigating the wider issues the movie aims to address.

The Violent Enemy, with its gripping narrative, strong performances, and skillful direction, serves as a poignant reminder of a tumultuous era in Irish and British history. For retro film enthusiasts, this piece of classic cinema might prove to be an interesting watch, offering an intriguing blend of historical drama, suspense, and human emotion.