66 days of hunger strike by Bobby Sands in 1981 drew international attention and led to his election to the British Parliament while imprisoned.
Synopsis
66 days of hunger strike by Bobby Sands in 1981 drew international attention and led to his election to the British Parliament while imprisoned.
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Synopsis
Bobby Sands, a member of the Irish Republican Army, begins a hunger strike in 1981 at Northern Ireland's Maze Prison. His protest demands recognition as a political prisoner and lasts for 66 days. The film combines reenactments, animation, and interviews, featuring insights from figures like Gerry Adams and Fintan O'Toole. Sands' diary entries, read by Martin McCann, provide a personal perspective on his struggle. The documentary captures the events leading to Sands' election to the British Parliament and the lasting impact of his actions on Irish history.
What Critics Say
The GuardianAn authoritative documentary about the IRA hunger striker gets to the heart of its subject.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- See Martin McCann read Bobby Sands' diary excerpts.
- Find out about the 1981 Irish hunger strike.
- Meet key figures like Fintan O'Toole and Gerry Adams.
Did You Know
- The film premiered on 3 May 2016 at Hot Docs in Toronto.
- It set a record for the highest-grossing opening weekend for an Irish documentary, earning €50,933.
- As of 16 August 2019, it had a 90% critics' rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD criticized the film for its portrayal of Fintan O'Toole.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When did Bobby Sands: 66 Days premiere?
Bobby Sands: 66 Days premiered at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival in Toronto on 3 May 2016.
What record did Bobby Sands: 66 Days set in Ireland?
It set a record for the highest-grossing opening weekend for an Irish documentary film, earning €50,933 or £43,300.
What was the critics' rating of Bobby Sands: 66 Days on Rotten Tomatoes?
As of 16 August 2019, the film had a 90% critics' rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
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