← Back to results
Black '47
2018 100 min Belgium, Ireland, Luxembourg R 16+
★6.9
Drama
Director: Lance Daly
Trailers
Description
In 1847, when Ireland is in the grip of the Great Famine that has ravaged the country for two long years, Feeney, a hardened Irish Ranger who has been fighting for the British Army abroad, returns home to reunite with his estranged family, only to discover the cruelest reality, a black land where death reigns.
US Gross:
$57,520
Starring
Hugo Weaving
Actor
James Frecheville
Actor
Stephen Rea
Actor
Awards
2 wins & 8 nominations total
Key opinion
Black '47 is widely regarded as a grim, atmospheric revenge thriller that effectively captures the bleakness of the Great Famine. While some critics praise its visual texture and performances, others feel the film prioritizes genre tropes over deep historical exploration, leading to a polarized reception regarding its narrative impact.
| Acting | Hugo Weaving delivers a compelling, nuanced performance that elevates the film's character dynamics. | |
| Production | The cinematography and production design successfully immerse viewers in a dark, gritty, and historically evocative depiction of 19th-century Ireland. | |
| Screenplay | Opinions on the screenplay are divided: supporters view the 'revenge thriller' framing as a taut way to explore historical injustice, while detractors feel it lacks emotional depth or relies on implausible narrative beats. | |
| Pacing | The film's pacing and structural resolution are contentious, with some finding the atmospheric tempo rewarding and others feeling the final act concludes in a disappointing or abrupt manner. | |
| Acting | The casting of an Australian lead in the central Irish role is a point of significant friction, with some viewers finding it authentic enough for the genre and others dismissing it as a jarring, inappropriate choice. |