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Five Minutes of Heaven

Play trailer Poster for Five Minutes of Heaven R 2009 1h 30m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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76% Tomatometer 45 Reviews 60% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
In the 1970s Northern Ireland, young Joe Griffin watches in horror as the teenage leader of a UVF cell shoots Joe's brother dead. Thirty years later, peace is at hand, and Joe is to meet his brother's killer, Alistair Little, on live TV. Unbeknownst to the TV crew, Joe is not there to reconcile with Alistair, but to kill him.
Five Minutes of Heaven

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Oliver Hirschbiegel's dramatic take on "The Troubles" is an actor's showcase -- and Liam Neeson and James Nesbitt are more than up to the challenge.

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Critics Reviews

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Joe Williams St. Louis Post-Dispatch Nov 5, 2009
3/4
A director whose breakthrough was the story of a madman's last stand has exceeded that feat with the story of an angry man's next step. Go to Full Review Moira MacDonald Seattle Times Oct 15, 2009
3.5/4
Two marvelous performances from two Irish actors turn Oliver Hirschbiegel's Five Minutes of Heaven into a tour de force. Go to Full Review Peter Rainer Christian Science Monitor Sep 2, 2009
So many movies set in Northern Ireland are about the Troubles that we might justifiably ask, why another? Five Minutes of Heaven is far from the best of the breed, but it does at least take a new tack. Go to Full Review David Butcher Radio Times Mar 4, 2026
4/5
It would be a shame to give away how their reunion pans out, but the result is a gripping and darkly believable take on the aftershocks of violence. Go to Full Review Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review Sep 4, 2023
2.5/4
Not much happens in Five Minutes of Heaven, but what does happen proves to be moving and, at times, emotionally devastating. Go to Full Review Enrique Buchichio Uruguay Total Mar 16, 2011
3/5
Un drama reflexivo y quizs alegrico sobre las heridas que permanecen aos despus de un conflicto como el de Irlanda del Norte. Sus dos principales actores salen airosos de las quizs inevitables simplificaciones del guin. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Rebecca M @Becky139 Sep 13, 2023 I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. The story, the way it was told, and the acting. I thought Nesbit was great. He blew me away with the showing of the characters pain, and long suffering. Neeson also showed the true emotions of regret and remorse. I am surprised the movie wasn't better known. I had never heard of it, but was glad I clicked on it. See more ronald h @RT44372985 Oct 7, 2022 Unforgettable performances by Nesbitt and Neeson. The film has somewhat of a documentary feel to it, it's so straightforward and unembellished. Critics are arguing about the conclusion, that's it's too quick and simple. But I don't think there was any good way to conclude this movie, because the issue really has no solution. But the main message is clear, and it's relevant for all time: Killing in defense of an ideology is still murder. A very powerful film. I've seen it twice. See more donna m @DonnaM Sep 3, 2021 It had potential but no charchter development. See more Jan 24, 2016 Seriously underrated indie flick that's satisfyingly somber and with powerful performances of enigmatic characters. See more Stephen S @GDLSkorne May 4, 2015 Pretty solid. Not the best movie but still a pretty interesting look at the chaotic existence between Catholics and Protestants in Ireland. Still though, I would've liked to see more of the conflict in general, as opposed to just focusing on these two men. Still though, pretty interesting. See more Apr 1, 2015 Reasonably good film but after a build up it eventually fell a bit flat at the end. Not one I would want to see again. See more Read all reviews
Five Minutes of Heaven

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Cast & Crew

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Oliver Hirschbiegel

Director

Liam Neeson

Alistair Little

James Nesbitt

Joe Griffin

Anamaria Marinca

Vika

Conor MacNeill

Dave

Richard Dormer

Michael

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Five Minutes of Heaven

Liam Neeson as Alistair Little in "Five Minutes of Heaven." (L-R) James Nesbitt as Joe Griffin and Liam Neeson as Alistair Little in "Five Minutes of Heaven." A scene from the film "Five Minutes of Heaven." A scene from the film "Five Minutes of Heaven." James Nesbitt as Joe Griffin in "Five Minutes of Heaven." (L-R) Liam Neeson and director Oliver Hirschbiegel on the set of "Five Minutes of Heaven." View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis In the 1970s Northern Ireland, young Joe Griffin watches in horror as the teenage leader of a UVF cell shoots Joe's brother dead. Thirty years later, peace is at hand, and Joe is to meet his brother's killer, Alistair Little, on live TV. Unbeknownst to the TV crew, Joe is not there to reconcile with Alistair, but to kill him.
Director
Oliver Hirschbiegel
Producer
Eoin O'Callaghan
Screenwriter
Guy Hibbert
Distributor
IFC Films
Production Co
Northern Ireland Screen, Bord Scannan Na hEireann, Pathé, Irish Film Board, Big Fish Films, Ruby Films, BBC Films
Rating
R (Some Violence|Language)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 21, 2009, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 27, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$13.2K
Runtime
1h 30m
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