’Ransom 79’ is a thrilling yarn and a moving biopic all in one

As his health and physical faculties begin to deteriorate, veteran journalist Charlie Bird embarks on what will be his final story - uncovering the identity of a gang of extortionists who threatened to unleash a catastrophic virus across Ireland unless a ransom of £5,000,000 was paid to them by the Irish government.

'Ransom 79' is often a strange experience to watch. For one, the story itself -when fully revealed from end to end - is truly the stuff of paperback thrillers. Indeed, the re-enactments peppered throughout the runtime are shot in grainy black and white as the timeline reads out in type on screen. There are moments when, can't even believe what he's hearing.

Mixed with this, however, is a moving and frank depiction of a person dealing with a terminal illness who is fighting it with all of his strength, and doing the only thing he knows best - being a journalist. Through the use of a voicebank, Bird's questions still probe and dissect the people directly attached and involved in the investigation.

The documentary is structured and formal, though some levity and moments of humour break in between them. Colm Quinn's approach to the story itself is forensic and clear, and there's a real sense of focus to it.

Though he may have passed over, 'Ransom 79' stands as a testament to Charlie Bird as a journalist to the end - ever determined, faithful to the story, and a man who knew how to tell a story.

Source: Healthcare Press (healthcarepress.net)

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