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In the early 1970's, a rebel IRA faction, headed by Doiraenn McCann (Kerry Condon) plant a carbomb in a side street. Meanwhile, Finbar Murphy (Liam Neeson) is a former World War II veteran and mercenary, carrying out assignments for contractor Robert McQue (Colm Meaney.) Burnt out and cynical, he finds a personal reason to care when he sees a young girl being controlled by Curtis Jane (Desmond Eastwood), which sets in motion a shattering chain of events, involving a collision with Doiraenn and her clan.

No matter how much time passes, the western remains one of the most enduring genres, always finding new life in different variations in different styles of films, even to the point of being used in films set in the present times. Director Robert Lorenz is the latest example of this, following in the footsteps of films like 2016's Hell or High Water, with this slow burner. If you don't know it's been framed as a 'modern western', it won't immediately dawn on you, making the experience all the more of a meandering one.

Set against the backdrop of some pretty turbulent events in Ireland's history, it gives it some pretty heavy baggage to contend with, against the motivation of making some kind of modern day Clint Eastwood film. But in terms of lead star Neeson, it just feels like another notch on the post of his later life action hero trajectory, which he infuses with his usual gruff, mumbling style, to much the same effect as ever. He's propped up by a support cast, including veteran's such as Meany, and Condon, who is effectively icy and hard faced as the dogged central protagonist.

For die hard fans of the western genre who still exist in this day and age, the slower, more meandering pace and atomised plot might be more acceptable. It may even do this for those with a passing interest, and the result is something at least marginally successful. ***

In the Land of Saints and Sinners shows perfectly how you make a solid movie without putting billions into special effects and explosions - just tell an old tale new with the help of a superb cast. Especially the acting shines bright in this little flick and makes the story and the characters believable. No doubt, for someone just wanting lots of bum bum and computer generated gimmicks a la Fast and Furios or Tom Cruise's quests on high octane, this won't work to well, but for someone who wants a well told story, this one will do and provide plenty. Not an excellent one but a good one for sure.

It's 1974 Northern Ireland. IRA members Doireann McCann (Kerry Condon), her brother Curtis June, and two others plant a bomb in Belfast. It kills the target but also some innocent kids. They are trying to hide out in remote County Donegal. Finbar Murphy (Liam Neeson) is a local killer executing for corrupt cop Robert McQue (Colm Meaney). Finbar is tired of killing. When he encounters an abusived girl, he goes back to his killing way. The abuser turns out to be Curtis June and Doireann is out for revenge. Vincent O'Shea (Ciarán Hinds) is another policeman.

It's a pretty simple revenge killing plot. I expected some more compelling twists. The Northern Ireland and family history could be more visceral. On the plus side, these are great Irish actors doing their normal great level of work. The most intriguing part may be the trees. I do like Doireann confronting Robert although I like it more for the mother. This movie has the actors and the place and the killings. I would like more surprises.