As The Beast Sleeps
Synopsis
As The Beast Sleeps is a hard-hitting film about friendship, loyalty and betrayal.
The political leadership of the UDA have placed a ban on paramilitary activity which may damage their position in the peace process. The men this affects are the young teams groomed for fighting. For some, the new rules mean a drastic change in lifestyle, a loss of stability and identity.
Kyle is caught between loyalty to the UDA and loyalty to Freddie, his best friend. Freddie wants to carry on doing what he was groomed for.
They are drawn into conflict when Kyle is reluctantly recruited to head a punishment squad to deal with renegades. When Freddie breaks the ban, personal and political loyalties collide violently.
This powerfully-acted BBC film offers a sombre reflection on the peace process.
Details
- Year
- 2002
- Type of film
- Features
- Running time
- 90 mins
- Format
- Beta Sp
- Director
-
Harry Bradbeer
- Producer
- Tony Rowe
- Editor
- Paul Endacott
- Screenwriter
- Gary Mitchell
- Director of Photography
- Mark Garret
- Sound
- Mervyn Moore
- Principal cast
- Stuart Graham, Patrick O' Kane, Laine McGan, Daniel O'Grady, Colum Convey
Genre
Categories
Production Status
Production Company
BBC Northern Ireland
Room C403, Centre House56 Wood Lane
White City
London W12 7SB
UK
Sales Company
BBC Northern Ireland
Room C403, Centre House56 Wood Lane
White City
London W12 7SB
UK
Page updates
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