Blind Flight

This film is basically what you would call a 'two-hander' in theater parlance, as the main action revolves around two men who have been kidnapped in Beirut in the 1980's. Based on the true story (screenplay was co-written by the author) of Irishman 'Brian Keenan' who was kept in captivity for 4 1/2 years. Unlike your typical Hollywood prison film there are no attempts to keep track of time or even to escape, the main focus for Keenan (perfectly played by longtime character actor Ian Hart) is to stay physically and mentally alive while facing first solitary confinement and then shared captivity with a Brit, no less. Although the mismatched 'odd couple' might seem humorous at first, they soon learn to co-exist with each other and their captors in their own individual ways. Keenan is a natural rebel and tries a number of techniques to get information about the outside world, from hunger strikes to refusing to shave or wear 'prisoner clothes'. This attitude puts him at odds with some of the sadistic tendencies of his captors who routinely order the men to perform inane tasks or suffer beatings for no reason. If anyone ever has any question as to why a nation should use any means necessary to free political hostages, this film is it. A taut drama that will enhance your appreciation of the courage any survivor of captivity must demonstrate. I should also note that well-known British actor Linus Roache ("Hart's War") is equally excellent in portraying the easy-going journalist 'John McCarthy' (who was released a year after Keenan in real life).

I was in two minds about seeing this film; although I feel it's important to be reminded of both the awfulness and the greatness of the human spirit, I find it hard to stomach violence and cruelty. However, my social conscience overrode my ostrich-like nature and boy am I glad it did. Blind Flight, the story of Brian Keenan and John McCarthy's hostage experiences in Beirut back in the 1980s, is a surprisingly light-hearted and humorous film. Indeed it transpires that a lot of the ad-libbing that occurred during filming had to be cut from the final edit. This fact emphasises the closeness and the nature of the relationship between the two men, being founded on a wry humour that belied the reality of their situation. Ian Hart as Keenan and Linus Roache as McCarthy are phenomenally accurate in their portrayal of the two men, highlighting the differences between this 'odd couple' without ever resorting to caricature.

Although never shying away from the inevitable brutality that occurs when man is given ultimate power over man, all credit to the John Furse for giving a human face to the guards, and showing how 'good' and 'evil' are such subjective notions during political struggles. However the film was also careful to point out that even during such extreme situations, there is a right and a wrong way to treat people. This film made surprisingly little impact in the UK upon its release. I hope it finds the audience it deserves on DVD.

This film is an extraordinary testament to the power of male bonding, hope and courage in the face of long term imprisonment and potential death. In spite of the seriousness of its subject matter, it manages to provide moments of welcome humour and lightness. Brian Keenan and John McCarthy would most probably not have given one another the time of day in any other circumstances, but thrown together as they were in the Lebanon, they developed an extraordinary depth of trust and compassion, and a deep bond which could never be severed. John Furse has created a beautiful, intimate, unflinching study of these two men in captivity....phenomenally acted by Ian Hart and Linus Roache....and this film deserves to be seen by the many not the few. If you can't see it at the cinema, get it out on DVD. If you are a teacher, use it in your classrooms.Whatever you do, please try to see it at least once.

I recently watched a screening of Blind Flight at the Cosmat conference in Brighton and to be honest, I wasn't expecting much. Being the kind of person who generally watches mainstream movies, I thought that the fact this film is not widely recognised in the UK said it all. However I turned out to be very wrong, as I thought this movie was fantastic! The casting was very well done, and Ian Hart and Linus Roache were superb in this film, and fulfilled their characters roles very well. The film follows Brian Keenan and John McCarthy, an Irish teacher and an English Journalist captured and held hostage for 4 years in Lebanon during the 79-91 civil war. The film gives a real insight into the captive's emotions and feelings during this time, and being based on true events really makes you feel for the two men. I recently met the director John Furse and discovered that the film took 13 years to bring to UK screens, and the film was definitely worth the wait!

I loved this film. It was sensitive, extremely moving and very uplifting.

The bond that these two men shared was beautifully portrayed by the actors. The moment where the hostages are both released and reunite at the airport was so poignant it left a very strong impact. This film takes place for the most part in a cell. But I found it gripping, fast paced and beautifully shot.

The story of these two men is inspirational. I felt privileged to watch this film.