In Ireland, where national pride is a passion akin to religion and romantic love, one man became a legend for his fierce devotion to his land and its independence. LIAM NEESON stars as Michael Collins in a story about the real-life patriot whose bravery and unswerving dedication to the Irish people changed history as it made him into a legend. Collins' quest would bring a man raised on war into an even more dangerous battle for peace. It would cost him his life but would make him a hero for the ages.

Collins' efforts to create a free and peaceful country, like the epic history of Ireland itself, would encompass romance and violence, valor and rage, burning hope and fiery tragedy. It would result in both the triumph of a free Irish Republic and the terror in Northern Ireland that continues to make bloody headlines today. And it would forever change the ways people wage wars of independence.

Academy Award-winner NEIL JORDAN writes and directs Geffen Pictures' "Michael Collins," teaming with Academy Award-nominees Liam Neeson and JULIA ROBERTS and producer STEPHEN WOOLLEY. The film is an historical epic about an extraordinary individual whose example inspired the struggles for freedom of small nations around the world.

AIDAN QUINN portrays Harry Boland, Collins' best friend and rival for the love of Kitty Kiernan, played by Julia Roberts; ALAN RICKMAN is Eamon De Valera, leader of the Irish nationalists and Collins' mentor, until a mortal rift occurs between them; STEPHEN REA plays Collins' most vital informant, Ned Broy; and CHARLES DANCE is the British commander, Soames.

Filmed on location in Dublin, Ireland, the film is produced with the creative and technical skills of an impressive team of Academy Award-winners and nominees, including director of photography CHRIS MENGES, editors J. PATRICK DUFFNER and TONY LAWSON, production designer ANTHONY PRATT, costume designer SANDY POWELL and composer ELLIOT GOLDENTHAL.

About the Story
About the Production
Casting a Legend
The Cast Prepares
On Location in Ireland
Pre-production Set Designs
Concept Sketches of Vehicles

Geffen Pictures Presents A Neil Jordan Film of A Stephen Woolley Production: Liam Neeson in "Michael Collins," starring Aidan Quinn, Stephen Rea, Alan Rickman and Julia Roberts. The music is by Elliot Goldenthal; the film's editors are J. Patrick Duffner and Tony Lawson, A.C.E.; and the production designer is Anthony Pratt. The director of photography is Chris Menges; the co-producer is Redmond Morris; and the film is produced by Stephen Woolley. "Michael Collins" is written and directed by Neil Jordan. It is distributed by Warner Bros., A Time Warner Entertainment Company, L.P.

A Special Note From Director Neil Jordan
Biography | Ireland of the Times | Photo Archive | Trailer & Interviews | News
Production Notes | Film Photos | The Cast | The Filmmakers | Credits

TM & © 1996 Warner Bros. and Geffen Pictures.