Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘In the Land of Saints and Sinners’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

Liam Neeson as Finbar Murphy in Robert Lorenz’s IN THE LAND OF SAINTS AND SINNERS. (Photo Courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘In the Land of Saints and Sinners’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that humanity has quite the complicated relationship with violence. Because on the one hand, so many are keen to speak to its ills and how perhaps we best avoid it at all costs, but on the other hand… these are the same folks that are keen to embrace it as needed. Through war on a broad scale or through simply throwing hands if the moment calls for it in their lives. Which is a confusing way to say we need to steer clear of it, but that is the way it goes. For we are flawed beings that are still primal in some respects and our need to resort to violence speaks to that through and through.  

Which does indeed beg an important question. In that… is it possible then for us to ever be free of violence and its suffering? And sadly, there’s no solid answer to that question. For our duality simply doesn’t speak to one path or the other. But… that doesn’t mean we cannot do our best to try and steer our world and our society in the right direction through other and simpler means. Such as storytelling. For stories offer great lessons, the kind that stay with us and influence us in some manner and perhaps that can slowly turn the tide if we offer up more stories that feature the consequences of violence and well, it just so happens that a powerful cautionary tale regarding violence is in theaters now for us to learn from. 

A feat that In the Land of Saints and Sinners accomplishes, by taking us back in time to a violent era in the world’s history, 1974 to be specific. Wherein we meet a man named Finbar Murphy who appears to be nothing more than a good citizen of the quiet Irish town of Glencolmcille. But Finbar harbors a dark secret. In that, he is a hitman that has killed a countless number of people, and thankfully at this point in time… he is ready to leave that life behind. For he has grown tired of killing. But before he can truly retire and embrace a new chapter, a group of IRA agents descend upon his town and begin to bring about suffering for the innocent. Prompting Finbar to make a tough choice to protect those who cannot protect themselves, and that choice, will bring nothing but chaos to this quaint little town, since the group’s leader, Doireann, will stop at nothing to exact revenge when Finbar strikes first in an effort to create peace. 

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Which really is the perfect way to explore… the consequences of violence. Since this is a story that showcases how the decision to commit to it, can ruin lives and outright upend communities that have never dealt with such chaos before. Courtesy of the bloody cat and mouse game Finbar and Doireann commit to. Which is a very blunt and welcome way to express a fine lesson, but this is a film that goes far deeper in its explorations of the impact of violence upon us, which is handled primarily through the film’s brilliant, slow-burning style of storytelling. For we spend more time with Finbar than we do with the villains of this tale, and the time we spend with him, gives us an intimate look at the impact of violence upon the individual. Especially those who are eager to embrace duality, and what we learn here is fascinating. 
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Since that journey showcases how violence creates a hollow life for men like Finbar. Since he really has nothing to show for his work, nothing to really speak to accomplishment wise in his life. There’s just blood on his hands and the nightmares of the lives he’s taken. Which gives rise to a sobering journey that truly makes it clear that violence gives us nothing in return. It’s just wasted energy and that makes for a rightfully bleak viewing experience. One that also features stunning action sequences that are violent and sobering in nature, to really hammer home the ugly nature of violence and how savage we can be. To task us, really. To force us to understand, all of which gives rise to a compelling and powerful feature. One that absolutely grabs hold of you and never let’s go.  

Courtesy of that plot, and some performances for the ages. For this motion picture also features a bevy of heavy hitting actors. Since you’ll find Colm Meaney and Ciarán Hinds here, and they absolutely steal every scene they are in, and Kerry Condon is a tour de force as Dorieann and of course… it’s Liam Nesson as Finbar Murphy that wows us from beginning to end, and really, all of these elements bring forth a motion picture you absolutely need to see. For this really is a unique action feature. One that harbors incredible commentary on the human condition, the darkness we carry, and it truly does leave us with plenty to chew upon regarding the place that violence has in our world, and our role in letting it persist. 

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