When under harsh conditions, I am always in awe of the mind’s strong power. To watch what some say was Michael Fassbender’s (A Dangerous Method, Shame) breakout role as Bobby Sands, was exceptional but painful. Based on true events, this beautiful yet brutal movie grabbed hold of me, forcing me to watch each and every frame. The year was 1981 in Belfast’s Maze prison and a group of Irish Republican prisoners’ demands, to be treated as political prisoners, were not being met. Instead, they were being abused by the guards, under inhumane conditions. A group of the inmates decided they would go on a hunger strike. When I tell you this was tough to watch, it really was and some of you may not be able to handle some of the scenes. However, this directorial debut by visual artist Steve McQueen stands out as a masterful visual experience.  Fassbender was incredible in this movie; reminding me of the same physical transformation Christian Bale went through in The Machinist. I advise you to view the trailer, to get an idea of the intensity in this film.

3 1/4 stars — DVD