**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**
“There’s more to me than this…”
In the Land of Saints and Sinners released in theaters on March 29th 2024. The Irish action film stars Liam Neeson, Jack Gleeson, Kerry Condon, and Desmond Eastwood. It runs for approximately an hour and forty-five minutes.
Set in Ireland during the 1970’s, Finbar Murphy hopes to leave his past as an assassin behind him, but when a group of terrorists arrive in town, he must choose between revealing his secret past and protecting his friends and neighbors from harm.
Here is the trailer:
In the Land of Saints and Sinners is not your average Liam Neeson film, presenting us with a captivating crime thriller deep rooted in genuine moments, but does it do enough to earn a watch? Let’s find out…
The Pros:
Gorgeous scenery and solid performances.
This is the second film in the past month that I have watched set in Ireland and once again, the setting did not disappoint. It was breathtakingly beautiful and I thought that this film was really well shot.
The performances were exceptional as well, elevating this film into a crime thriller of a higher standard, which was refreshing to watch.
Not your typical Liam Neeson film…
It’s been years since Taken and The Grey have come out and I’m not sure that any film will ever come close to those, but Liam Neeson has starred in numerous action thrillers ever since that simply have not measured up. Don’t get me wrong, some of them have been very entertaining and I will continue to watch every single one, but I’ve been waiting for another worthy film and I think we came pretty close here.
While the premise was a familiar one for Neeson, this film felt very different and unique. It didn’t rely on a gimmick or flashy concept to reel the audience in. Rather, it presented us with something more organic and real, which actually really resonated with me.
The second half of the film was really intense and brilliant. Sure, it didn’t quite pack the same punch as some of his other films, but I’m not sure that it needed that. It transcended past those films, making this a thoughtful and more layered watch, which I really appreciated.
The Cons:
Takes a while to get going…
The first half was pretty sluggish even though there were some key moments sprinkled in. If you’re looking for a fast-paced action flick, you won’t get that here. We do eventually get to some action worth the wait, but be prepared for a slower paced film overall.
So am I in or out?
I’m in!
In the Land of Saints and Sinners is a smart and well-crafted crime thriller worth your time.
This film was not what I expected, but it delivered and allowed Liam Neeson to truly shine.
I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on In the Land of Saints and Sinners in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!
Best,
Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl
DON’T TAKE THE JOB…
It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.
My supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!
Girl Number Thirteen is available here!
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