Falsely accused. Wrongly imprisoned. He fought for justice to clear his father’s name.|Dec. 12, 1993|Ireland | United Kingdom|133 Min.|R
Genre: Drama
Description: In Belfast, Gerry Conlon is wrongly identified as an IRA sniper by British security forces, leading to a pursuit that sparks a riot. To avoid potential retaliation from the IRA, Gerry’s father, Giuseppe, sends him to London. While there, Gerry breaks into a prostitute’s apartment and steals £700. He later shares drugs in a park with Charlie Burke, a homeless Irishman. Shortly after, a devastating explosion occurs in Guildford, killing four off-duty soldiers and one civilian, with many others injured. Gerry eventually returns to Belfast but is captured by the British Army and the Royal Ulster Constabulary, arrested on charges of terrorism.
Taken to the UK mainland, Gerry and the other members of the Guildford Four, including his friend Paul Hill, endure brutal police interrogation and torture. Despite initially maintaining his innocence, Gerry signs a confession after authorities threaten his father’s life. Giuseppe is also arrested, along with other family members. At trial, despite numerous inconsistencies in the evidence presented by the prosecution, Gerry and the Guildford Four are convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.
In prison, Gerry and Giuseppe meet Joe McAndrew, a new inmate who reveals he is the actual perpetrator of the bombing and had confessed to the police. However, the authorities concealed this information to avoid embarrassment. Gerry initially befriends Joe but becomes disillusioned after Joe sets a despised prison guard on fire during a riot. Giuseppe later dies in custody, leaving Gerry to continue his father’s fight for justice.
Giuseppe’s lawyer, Gareth Peirce, uncovers critical evidence that supports Gerry’s alibi, based on a statement from Charlie Burke. During an appeal, this evidence completely exonerates Gerry and the other members of the Guildford Four, leading to their release.
Cast director: Jean Bourne
Cast actor: Daniel Day-Lewis, Pete Postlethwaite, Emma Thompson, John Lynch, Corin Redgrave, Beatie Edney, John Benfield, Paterson Joseph, Marie Jones, Gerard McSorley
Original name: In the Name of the Father