Give Us Tomorrow

Give Us Tomorrow is an intense and emotional British drama from 1978, directed by Donovan Winter. It takes place during the height of The Troubles in Northern Ireland, when Catholics and Protestants were deeply divided and violence was a common occurrence. The film tells the story of a young Catholic couple, Terry and Heather, who become caught up in the conflict, leading to a series of tragic events.

The movie begins with Terry and Heather living in the small Irish town of Portside, where they are trying to build a life together. Terry is a reserved and quiet man who works in a factory, while Heather is bubbly and outgoing, with dreams of making it as a singer. Despite their different personalities, they are very much in love and planning their future together.

However, their plans are derailed when Terry is picked up by the police and accused of being a member of the IRA. Despite having no involvement in the organization, he is interrogated and brutally beaten by the authorities in an attempt to get him to confess. Heather is devastated by his arrest and doesn't know where to turn for help.

While Terry is in custody, he is befriended by a British soldier named Harry, who is sympathetic to his plight. Harry offers to help Terry escape from prison, but Terry is unsure whether he should trust him. Eventually, Terry decides to take the risk and they successfully break out of the prison.

However, their escape puts both Terry and Heather in danger, as the IRA suspect Terry of being a traitor and the British army believe he is still involved with the organization. Terry and Heather go on the run, hoping to find a way out of the country and start a new life together.

The rest of the movie follows their desperate struggle to survive, as they encounter danger and violence at every turn. Along the way, they come across a range of characters, some sympathetic and some not, who help or hinder their progress. They also learn more about the conflict and the brutal reality of life in Northern Ireland, where no one is safe from the violence.

The performances in the movie are excellent, particularly from Sylvia Syms as Heather and Derren Nesbitt as Harry. Syms brings great depth and emotion to her role as a woman torn apart by the conflict and fighting to protect her loved ones. Nesbitt is convincing as the soldier with a conscience, trying to do the right thing in an impossible situation.

The movie is well-written and the suspense builds steadily throughout, as the audience is kept guessing about what will happen next. The cinematography is also impressive, with some stunning shots of the Irish countryside and atmospheric scenes that capture the mood of the time.

Overall, Give Us Tomorrow is a gripping and powerful movie that explores the human cost of political conflict. It presents a complex picture of a troubled era and asks important questions about the nature of violence and its impact on ordinary people. While the subject matter is grim, the movie ultimately delivers a message of hope and resilience, showing that even in the darkest of times, love and compassion can shine through.