
Hunger
Seen it?2008 | 96 min | Drama, History
Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (90% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for history buffs. If you loved In the Name of the Father or Midnight Express, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 36 min.
- What might put you off
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
The story of Bobby Sands, the IRA member who led the 1981 hunger strike during The Troubles in which Irish Republican prisoners tried to win political status.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
90% on Rotten Tomatoes, 82 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.2 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 BAFTA.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$3 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 121K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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The Last CastleWeeknight WatchAnother prison drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Steve McQueen
- Michael FassbenderBobby Sands
- Stuart GrahamRay Lohan
- Liam CunninghamPriest
- Helena BereenRaymond's Mother
- Laine MegawRaymond's Wife
- Brian MilliganDavey Gillen
- Liam McMahonGerry Campbell
- Karen HassanGerry's Girlfriend
- Frank McCuskerThe Governor
- Lalor RoddyWilliam