Project Detail

As The Beast Sleeps

Synopsis

A native son of north Belfast, award winning playwright, Gary Mitchell, speaks the language of working-class Protestants in the unflinching realist drama that tells the story of the lifelong friendship between two Loyalists blown apart by political change.
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 project
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

Categories

Production Status

Production Company

BBC Northern Ireland

Room C403, Centre House
56 Wood Lane
White City
London W12 7SB
UK

Sales Company

BBC Northern Ireland

Room C403, Centre House
56 Wood Lane
White City
London W12 7SB
UK

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