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Movies & TV

15th Dec 2018

WATCH: First footage of RTÉ’s new drama about the War of Independence and Michael Collins

Paul Moore

War of Independence

One for the history lovers.

Over the next few days, it’s very likely that you’ll be picking up the RTÉ Guide and highlighting the TV shows that you want to watch over the Christmas season but RTÉ have a new show that’s set to air very soon and it should appeal to anyone that loves Irish history.

Resistance, a drama set during the War of Independence, is scheduled to start on 8 January and the first footage has been released.

Set during the War of Independence and four years after the events of Rebellion, the show follows a group of characters as they fight for their lives and their future, while exploring how the events of the War of Independence changed Irish society.

Brian Gleeson will return as Jimmy Mahon, a Dubliner who took part in the Rising, and he’s joined by Aoife Duffin (Moone Boy), Simone Kirby (Alice Through the Looking Glass) and Natasha O’Keefe (Peaky Blinders).

As the official synopsis states: “Everything is double – two states, two armies, two judicial systems – and with each of those states working overtly and covertly to destabilise the other, parents and children, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives are all forced to live double lives themselves, and can no longer trust each other. The destruction and collapse of the state is echoed in that of the families and the relationships of our character.  Everyone is fighting for their lives, and for the future.”

The series consists of five hour-long episodes and it’s set to begin on 8 January.

Aside from this, there’s going to be a series of RTÉ programmes that will confront the War of Independence, the emergence of the Irish Free State and the subsequent civil war.

The War of Independence season includes:
  • The Irish Revolution – a three-part landmark documentary bringing a fresh perspective on a period that changed Ireland forever. Narrated by Cillian Murphy.
  • Life Before Independence – presented by Catriona Crowe, documents what everyday life was like for the ordinary citizens living during that extraordinary period in our history.
  • Keepers of the Flame – Emmy winner Nuala O’Connor tells the story of generations dealing with the consequences of war and civil war.

Take a look at what’s in store.

Clip via RTÉ – IRELAND’S NATIONAL PUBLIC SERVICE MEDIA