Four Days In July

1984, Movie, NR, 99 mins

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War-torn Belfast is the setting for this absorbing drama involving two couples who are about to become parents for the first time. McAleer is a disabled Catholic man who has come to rely on his wife for many of his needs after being shot. Although the two have a rocky life, they look forward to the forthcoming birth of their child. Lawson, representing an opposite position, is an often-drunk member of the Ulster Defense League who shows an occasional glimmer of tenderness in his infrequent sober moments. In the end he and McAleer strike up a friendship of the moment as they sit in the waiting room outside the maternity ward where their wives are in labor. The women also establish a friendship as they sit in their adjacent beds holding their new babies. The story and dialog were largely improvised by the cast during workshop sessions rather than being scripted, and the results are extremely personal, lending an honest feeling to the quartet and those around them. The actual Belfast locations heighten this air of authencity. In fact, the film may be a little too realistic. Despite the moments of charm and pathos, there are also dull stretches. Overall, though, these are not sufficient to mar an otherwise-enjoyable feature and its fresh approach. leave a comment
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Four Days In July
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