Veronica Guerin review

aelst's review

This is based on a true story about a nosy reporter called Veronica Guerin. I've never heard of her before this, but then again I can't name 1 reporter, and I don't read tabloid newspapers. The movie dramatises the events that have happened, and made me think whether her actions were justified. Set in Dublin, it has a nice overcast feel to it. I liked the equestrian stables, the buildings and locations, it looks so nice there.

To me, she was portrayed as a very annoying character, intrusive, selfish and reckless. If she was meant to be seen as a hero it didn't work for me. You might recognise an old U2 song, Everlasting Love. Sinead O'Connor contributed some new songs for this one, but none of them did it for me. 2.5 out of 5 stars.

ratbag's review

Veronica Guerin did not seem like a very sensible person to me. I have no idea whether or not it was Cate Blanchett's intention to portray her has a headstrong, egocentric, reckless, irresponsible reporter, but her character appears that way to me.

Veronica was supposedly so moved by the sight of children affected by the drug culture that she decided to expose the thugs profiting from them, but I wasn't convinced. The smug stubborn gloating expression that she gives the crims whenever she confronts them made me think her motives were personal, like she had a point to prove, an image of toughness to maintain, rather than her sense of social justice.

When we were first introduced to her character, she was racing home in her sports car, after having appeared in court for offences related to speeding and reckless driving. Veronica not only thumbs her nose at the drug lords, she does the same for the laws of her country.

Foolish or no, Cate's Veronica had the balls to stand up to the drug bosses. She was so obsessed with exposing them that she continues to ignore and neglect the needs of her family, and her poor husband's advice as he watches her proceed on her path of destruction.

Perhaps it takes a death of a reporter for governments to take notice. Maybe that was the reason Veronica willingly placed her life, and the lives of those close to her in danger. Maybe if she was smarter in her approach she would still be able to nail the bad guys and be able to watch her son grow up. But we'll never know.