not as good as all the hype

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

I didn’t really have many expectations going into the movie (good or bad), but I actually really enjoyed it. I really liked the characters and the banter between them.

The tone of this movie is interesting -- the stakes are both dramatic and high, but it's balanced with a lot of fun, tongue and cheek dialogue.

The film itself is quite dependent on its lead actress. It's a film of questionable choices (those last five minutes, I'm just not a fan of... I think the information could've been delivered more efficiently, more fluently). As it is though, it's very entertaining. Again, I'm not quite sure showing us the assassination at the start was really all that needed (I guess to not fool people in what the film was really about) but it still offers as a different sort of beginning that maybe could've worked better in a different way. But the film is lucky that it has such a strong, capable actress at its core. Cate Blanchett is simply wonderful, stunning performance that has to hit a lot of notes and she succeeds completely.

The assassination of Dublin crime reporter Veronica Guerin in 1996 shook Ireland to the core, her murder saw a public swell of determination to rid the country of its drug peddlers. Joel Schumacher's film is an in depth interpretation of the woman, her beliefs, her family life, her complexities and her stoicism to root out the drug barons putting liquid death into the arms of the many.Thankfully avoiding Hollywood clichés, it's often gritty and well thought out, Schumacher and his writers, Carol Doyle and Mary Agnes Donoghue, don't soft soap the Guerin image, her faults are laid bare alongside her searing strengths. The dangers of her work are very prominent throughout, leading to some suspenseful and fearsome scenes. Cate Blanchett as Guerin is inspired casting, an actress capable of covering all facets of the human condition, and in support Ciaran Hinds, Gerard McSorley and Brenda Fricker give powerful performances. 8/10

An emotionally gripping, biographical drama based on a true story of an Irish journalist Veronica Guerin. Classified in the crime and drama genre the film tells a story about a middle aged female Irish journalist in Ireland who investigates and fights the drug underworld in Dublin. Her fight and death brought the whole of Ireland to realize that they [1]had a major drug problem which many people were on the payroll, even government officials.The film starts with a scene of Veronica in her car driving home from court after a hearing. In this hearing Veronica is given a one hundred pound fine. On her way home when she stops at a traffic light a motorcycle pulls up and the assassin shot six bullets into her. Instant death, she remains a martyr for the war on drugs in Ireland. It is shot and set in Ireland, locations the movie had been filmed include the Dublin Airport, Dublin, County Kildare, Ireland.The film is directed by Joel Shumacher who's other movies did not get that many positive reviews as this film. The lead character is played by Cate Blanchett as Veronica Guerin, and puts forward an outstanding portrayal of Veronic's strong mental abilities. A strong, hardworking and determined journalist to expose the drug underworld of Dublin. A wife, mother and determined journalist. She goes head to head with John Gilligan the underworld boss who is played by Gerard McSorely. The cast throughout the movie puts an outstanding performance, with every scene grasping your attention to play with your emotions. Colin Farrell does a brief appearance in one scene, which a large spider web tattoo on his neck. He however does not appear in the rest of the movie, which seemed a little confusing.It carries a few shocking scenes which keep you glued to your seat. Dialogue is kept to be as realistic as possible, as such the entire cast. Cate Blanchett speaks in an authentic ascent which gives the character she is playing more authenticity. The use of profanities in the dialogue defies and determines who are the 'Bad Guys' in the movie. The style they speak, and the way they carry themselves. In the scene she is assaulted by John Gilligan it shows the realism of the film and captures the moment where Veronica tries to suppress her feelings and fear.Props used in the movie, such as the guns, location and costumes were also authentic. The gangsters and drug dealers were made to wear dark leather jackets, in which the deferentiation of the 'Bad Guys' is clear. Veronica is mainly seen in her corporate work attire most of the time, however there are scenes where she is in her favorite Manchester United jersey. The realism of the props used gave the film added authencity, for that particular time period the 1990's in which the film was set it.Overall, a great movie that captures the attention of the viewer and makes you want to watch more.

Wow! How did I miss this film from its 2003 release and such a great acting performance (another one!) from Kate Blanchett! I am English but I had never heard of Veronica Guerrin until I watched this movie. Now I certainly do and understand well and also about the dubious underworld which was operating at the time in Dublin.this a fine intense and fascinating movie from beginning to end, it is well directed, good dialogues, yes, strong and brutal stuff at times but nothing offensive and it certainly gets the message across! Was Veronica Guerrin gullible and slightly naive, can we only wonder? I love the film for how they connected the beginning with the ending. The ending was one of the best ends to a film which I have seen in a while, so much good about this movie, Blanchetts ability to deliver a quality performance in a character portrayal is amazing and outstanding.