If you enjoyed the film Hunger, you’ll no doubt enjoy “The Maze Escapees”, a film dedicated to the H-Blocks in Northern Ireland. Released in 2017, this film directed by Stephen Burke tells the story of the escape of 38 Provisional IRA prisoners from Maze high security prison in 1983. A true story that caused quite a stir at the time.
The Maze escapees
1983. Northern Ireland. The province of Northern Ireland was torn apart by the Troubles, a period of relentless clashes between Catholic republicans and Protestant loyalists.
At the time, Maze was one of Europe’s most modern and best-guarded high-security prisons. In H-shaped quarters (hence the term H-Block), you’ll find prisoners from both sides… The tension is palpable.
After Bobby Sands’ hunger strike, Larry Marley, a republican member of the IRA, devises a plan to escape with his fellow republicans…
If you’re a fan of Irish history, Les évadés de Maze is a must-see. It offers a nuanced perspective on the motivations and challenges faced by the prisoners of Maze prison, while not neglecting the human aspects of the story.
The performances are solid, especially that of Tom Vaughan-Lawlor, who plays Larry Marley, the architect of the escape.
We discovered his unfailing determination. Ready to do anything for the Irish Republican cause, he is capable of putting his life on the line, getting involved in hunger strikes with Bobby Sands, sacrificing his life for his family, and taking any risk to defend his values.
A true mastermind of the operation, he hatches a formidable plan, manipulating warden Gordon Close (played by Barry Ward), using any means to get close to him in order to glean information about the prison from which he wants to escape.
We appreciate the duo he forms with Barry Ward, who plays one of the prison guards. Each symbolizes a distinct camp, but Larry Marley’s attempts at rapprochement will help pacify their relationship, making it more complex.
More generally, the film is packed with information about how those infamous H-Blocks worked back in the day. These were H-shaped prisons, with extremely harsh conditions.
We discover that Republicans and Loyalists had to live side by side, creating fights and outbursts of unprecedented violence.
Finally, the story of the escape itself is incredible. It’s almost hard to believe that this is a true story!
Admittedly, most of the escapees were caught up in their flight, but their plan was as audacious as it was improbable!
Les évadés de Maze is very well documented, and tells the story as it happened, without romance or embellishment. Special mention goes to the actors, who portray their characters with great accuracy.
The setting and casting take us directly back in time, to a troubled and delicate period for Northern Ireland.
An excellent way to remember the past, and understand the complexities that shook Northern Ireland for decades!
3.45/5 (256 votes)
