Danny Boy

The true story of courage, resilience and incredible bravery. Titled 'Danny Boy' to reference the battle of the same name in Iraq.

The true story of a young soldier's journey from hero to alleged war criminal, the determined lawyer on his tail and their search for truth in the fog of war. Brian Wood is among several British soldiers accused of committing war crimes in Iraq.

Less than 90 minutes, the watch is classified as a TV movie, and mirrors a similar reflection in its outward tone and structure. The melancholic, slowness of the spectacle gives it a documentary TV feel which leisurely unfolds series of its chain of events. Sam Miller (director) saw his production starring Anthony Boyle, Toby Jones, Alex Ferns and Leah McNamara receive a positive reception from critics, The Guardian praising Boyle's performance deeming it as 'essential viewing'. Anthony met with Brian Wood prior to filming, stating it was 'extremely enlightening' to experience the empathy and truths behind the challenging success story. The slow pace is what allows the Northern Irish actor to thrive, encapsulating the scarred mind and fragile soul of the army soldier.

The film matches the traditional Irish melody of 'Londonderry Air' by English songwriter Frederic Weatherly in 1913. The ballad was played at Elvis' wedding, lyrics that were supposedly written by angels. An emotive and powerful film that captures the stress and strain instilled into a soldier post-war and how it impacts their families lives as well as their own.

A moving, touching and overall telling tale, that everyone ought to be aware of.

An interesting, emotive topic, and one which will have conversations going on both sides.

A pretty good watch, for such a dramatic situation, this was quite a low key affair, I appreciate subtle, but it just needed a little more passion injected into it.

I enjoyed the way the story was told, you quite literally see Bryan Wood's journey from national, decorated hero, to possible war criminal, and the role of Phil Shiner, was he after the truth, or was he out to vilify brave soldiers such as Wood? Make your own minds up.

Very well made, the action sequences looked terrific, best of all though was the acting, three top notch performances, Toby Jones, Anthony Boyle and Alex Ferns.

An interesting choice for the BBC it's fair to say, but it's well made and absorbing, I must also say how refreshing to have a one off, ninety minute drama, as opposed to yet another six part series.

Subtle, but good, 7/10.

It's hard to believe that Toby Jones has only the one BAFTA, He is Fast approaching national treasure status. It seems everything he appears in he is always the best actor on display and that's very much the case in Dannyboy.

Jones plays a hapless lawyer convinced that British soldiers have committed crimes against humanity whilst serving in Iraq. Anthony Boyle plays The soldier chiefly responsible for these crimes. What follows is a series of well-made flashbacks to what happened very well filmed just outside Watford not Iraq!

The only disappointment with this 90 minute one-off drama is the disappointing ending.

7/10.

This film could have been so much better but instead they wasted an opportunity. Could have taken this story and dug a lot deeper into this kind of crime. Turned it into a dull mess.

There is something that is just too small scale about Danny Boy and it never came alive as it tried too hard to be even handed to all sides.

In 2004, Sergeant Brian Wood (Anthony Boyle) and his unit in Iraq were ambushed. He was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery as they held off the militia.

Some years later, Wood and his men were accused of unlawfully killing and torturing Iraqi detainees at The Battle of Danny Boy.

Wood argued the Iraqis they encountered were soldiers and not farmers as now claimed.

Leading the case against him was human rights lawyer Phil Shiner (Toby Jones) who had earlier been successful in the Baha Mousa case.

Wood was a technical advisor in this drama. It was more successful in dealing with his trauma and reconnecting with his family. His bewilderment at being abandoned by the army when he was charged for war crimes.

As for Shiner who later was struck off as a lawyer and his firm went bankrupt. He seemed to have been treated more lightly in this drama.

Shiner might have had cause to investigate any alleged abuses by British soldiers. However he also smelled money hence why Shiner having to admit that he paid an Iraqi middleman to find suitable victims. It turned out that the farmers were indeed militia.

Somehow it was too dry for my liking. Apparently this was meant to be a two parter with courtroom scenes but instead it was made into a cut down television movie.