Omagh

Intense drama based on a true story surrounding the Omagh bombing by the real IRA in 1998. The IRA had declared a ceasefire and the the breakaway group who called themselves the 'real' IRA were not happy. The bomb was their statement of protest. This drama depicts the struggle of a father who tries to look for justice following his son's death in the bombing. The movie gives time for you to get to know the family and the glimpse of the relationships within the family before and after the bombing. The father, a quiet, unassuming man became a spokeperson for the families affected the the Omagh bomb.

They uncover the shroud of secrecy surrounding the case and why the perpetrators were not brought to justice - all for the sake of the peace agreement. It raised questions of what trade-offs do we make. Who has to suffer? Who determines what is the greater good? Who determines what sacrifices have to be made? The bomb killed 29 people. The authorities gave them empty promises of justice. Eventually, the families raised support to pay for a private prosecution of the terrorists. Is that justice? Does the means (dropping the investigation) support the end (the Peace agreement)?

Made me wonder. According to various theories, US intelligence had clues about a major terrorist attack which was to be Sept 11 incidents. Did they let it happen so that the 'War on Terror' could be declared? Or perhaps I'm just too cynical...