Blind Flight

This is a film about men, by men: their humanity and relationships. Excluding one cameo moment (and Mrs Thatcher) there are no women in the film. That it does not matter is the testament to the absolute universal held within this portrayal.

If you have already read the books, this is not a film version of either. The project was undertaken on its own account, starting before John was released. Rather, it zips all files and then presents us with a chance to see what it means to be suddenly plucked from your life.

Co-written by Brian, a lecturer in literature, author, and one of the two, it is a unique telling of a real story about the violence and cruelty that can arise from the human fear of difference. A telling that transcends both through acknowledgment. A must for veterans of hate, seekers of hope, and celebrants of the paradox that a crucible of human failure can fruit the better of gifts.

Men; simple, sparse, sincere. Real.

Iron John meets Alan Bennett. A rare achievement, and a gem on a plate for those with mentoring roles.

Saw this film a couple of nights ago and I thought it was brilliant. The on-screen relationship between the 2 actors felt very real and the result is a sensitive and emotional film. The subject matter dealt with is highly relevant to the current middle east situation, so I urge everyone to see this film. I believe small films like this have trouble getting distribution compared to some of the trashy, light, money-generating commodities that pass as blockbusters these days. Outrageous! Demand to see this film at your local independent or art-house cinema. Let's support films that make you think, or teach you something about the world as well as entertain!

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 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.

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.