When Hockey Came to Belfast 2004
Distributed by National Film Board of Canada, 1123 Broadway, Suite 307, New York, NY 10010; 800-542-2164
Produced by National Film Board of Canada
Directed by Linda Conway
VHS, color, 50 min.
K-6
Sports, Adolescence, History, War, Human Development
Date Entered: 11/10/2005
Reviewed by David Magolis, Social Sciences Librarian, Bloomsburg University of PennsylvaniaThis powerful video documentary portrays life in war torn Belfast from two teenage boy’s heart-warming story. Paul and Andrew are 15 year old teenagers who are separated by religious beliefs but find a way to unite through their shared love of hockey. Their stories provide the viewer with a clear depiction as to what life is like in a volatile country where being friends with someone from the opposite religion could result in death.
This is a terrific film about a simple, but highly effective story of friendship, hockey, religion and its deep impact on Belfast. One interesting aspect of this video is its great use of interviews along with incorporating an unbiased perspective on the history of the region. This video is recommended for students K-6 and up to initiate discussions about history, war, and human development.