Based on a true story (but with the standard "all characters are fictional" disclaimer), this chilling drama is reminiscent of The Magdalene Sisters,
as it examines a horrific aspect of Ireland's Catholic history. But the
filmmakers undermine their point with a simplistic script that refuses
to allow shades of grey in what should be a complex, disturbing story.
In 1939, William Franklin (Quinn) is the first lay teacher at St Jude's reform school. He's just returned from the Spanish Civil War and is haunted by memories of murdered friends and lovers, then he discovers the same kind of harsh fascism at St Jude's. The school is ruled with a brutal iron fist by Father John (Glen), who thinks the boys are mere animals, un-redeemable brutes who need fierce control at all times. Franklin, of course, has a heart of gold and draws out his students' talents and respect. The story basically centres on two of the boys, Liam and Patrick (Travers and Newman), who develop a strong bond with Franklin amid their particularly horrific experiences.
http://www.shadowsonthewall.co.uk/04/songragg.htm
In 1939, William Franklin (Quinn) is the first lay teacher at St Jude's reform school. He's just returned from the Spanish Civil War and is haunted by memories of murdered friends and lovers, then he discovers the same kind of harsh fascism at St Jude's. The school is ruled with a brutal iron fist by Father John (Glen), who thinks the boys are mere animals, un-redeemable brutes who need fierce control at all times. Franklin, of course, has a heart of gold and draws out his students' talents and respect. The story basically centres on two of the boys, Liam and Patrick (Travers and Newman), who develop a strong bond with Franklin amid their particularly horrific experiences.
http://www.shadowsonthewall.co.uk/04/songragg.htm