In the Name of the Father

Gerry Conlon, a small time thief from Belfast, is swept into a high profile bombing case in London. He is convicted, along with his father Giuseppe and a circle of friends, despite scant evidence tying them to the crime. The film follows a brutal, years long struggle as Gerry and his family fight the system, seeking truth through appeals, courtroom battles, and a tenacious pursuit of justice. The story centers on the toll this miscarriage of justice takes on relationships, faith, and the sense of belonging, as the men confront police tactics, political pressure, and a legal process that seems stacked against them. The pressure mounts, but the fight endures.

Directed by Jim Sheridan and released in 1993, the drama draws on the true life ordeal of Gerry Conlon and the Guildford Four, with a screenplay by Jim Sheridan and Terry George that emphasizes character and moral consequence.

On a production budget of about 13 million, it grossed roughly 65.8 million worldwide, a solid return for a character driven drama that relied on intimate performances and a tough, true life premise rather than big spectacle.

The film sparked ongoing discussion about miscarriages of justice and the heavy cost of wrongful imprisonment in the late 20th century. Critics noted the intense performances and courtroom tension, helping elevate public awareness of state procedures, legal limits, and the resilience of families under pressure in the face of danger.

Critics greeted the film with strong praise for its moral seriousness and the way it framed loyalty, truth, and the flaws of the justice system. It centers on family bonds, civic responsibility, and the cost of standing up to power, as well as the personal courage required to seek accountability today.