Irish history in cinema was kind of popular when "Michael Collins" was released in 1996. However, with its blue hues and fast pacing, this chapter of how one of Ireland's most notorious heroes, or villains, came to political importance is quite interesting work of filmmaking.

"Michael Collins" is about the true-life title character who trained the Irish Republican Army into an underground threat to the British rule, while in his later years, managed to gain 90 percent of his country's independence. Collins, also known as the "Lion of Ireland," founded the Republic of Eire in 1921.

The picture begins with the Easter Rising of 1916, when the ringleaders of the Irish rising against the British government were lined up and shot for treason. The only exception was Eamon de Valera, who was placed in prison, saved only by the fact he was American born.

Collins takes reign of the newly formed IRA and makes a series of terrorist strikes against key British military targets in Ireland. Eventually, Collins meets the love of his life Kitty Kiernan, stolen away from his best friend Harry Boland.

Collins comes to political office, as does de Valera, but Collins gets trapped into taking responsibility over the future rule of Ireland. He returns from negotiations with all but Northern Ireland and Cork independently governed by the Irish. De Valera turns on him and eventually Collins gets assassinated, as the film speculates.

There's a lot of other Irish history stuff in the film, but that's generally the core of the story.

Liam Neeson (Schindler's List) plays a very strong and fair depicting of the Lion of Ireland, while a shifty Alan Rickman (Harry Potter franchise) plays de Valera with a classic style.

Julia Roberts (Erin Brockovich) breaks out her stock Irish accent to portray Kiernan, but her role is next to meaningless. Aidan Quinn (Legends of the Fall) plays Boland. Northern Ireland born actor Stephen Rea (The Crying Game) also makes an appearance. Of course, he does. Neil Jordan (The Crying Game, Interview with the Vampire) directs it AND it's an Irish picture. Why wouldn't Rea be making an appearance?

Jordan's style is very exciting for what boils down to a very political second and third acts. The first act is a thrill ride as Collins shows the young soldiers of the IRA how to inflict damage to the Brits without even using a real weapons; bricks, bottles, the works. However, I get the feeling Jordan rushes through the picture's more dull but important scenes, and we never get a grasp on motivations and inner dialogue from his actors. The pace of the film is very fast and weak.

The love story in the picture is futile. It was as if Jordan, who also wrote the screenplay, was forced to add a romance in an otherwise historical period piece.

Pacing and romance aside, the film's flaws are outweighed by the importance of how one man can be considered a hero by a country, while others feel he had sold his countrymen out. The film definitely sides with those who see Collins as a hero, and not de Valera supporters.

The picture is also most enjoyed by those who have an interest and a small knowledge of Irish history, which could be considered another flaw overall. On the other hand, despite having many scenes of violence, Ireland's censor bureau gave it a PG rating, and issued a statement saying because of its historical importance, parents should have the choice of allowing their children to see it or not. "Michael Collins" is the second most successful picture in Ireland's cinematic history.

I feel the picture lacks entirely in story and concept, but is rich with cinematography and a strong cast. If you're interested in the subject matter, you should dig this pic. Otherwise, it may be a fast paced snooze for you.

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