How to Defuse a Bomb: The Project Children Story (2016)

How to Defuse a Bomb: The Project Children Story Poster

The extraordinary untold story of how an NYPD bomb disposal expert played a key role in helping defuse the decades old "Troubles" in Northern Ireland. In 1975, Irish immigrant Denis Mulcahy of the NYPD bomb squad – gathered a group of family, friends and neighbours to start a scheme offering children from Northern Ireland a chance to temporarily escape the violent turmoil of their daily lives. From modest beginnings, Project Children ultimately brought over 20,000 Catholic and Protestant children to suburban US for summer-long visits where they forged unexpected friendships and found they had more in common with the 'enemy' than they thought. Now this extraordinary untold story is being brought to the screen in a new documentary by Des Henderson, and narrated by Liam Neeson, entitled How To Defuse A Bomb: The Project Children Story.

Introduction
"How to Defuse a Bomb: The Project Children Story" (2016) is a special documentary film directed by Des Henderson. The film revolves around the effort of NYPD bomb disposal professional, Denis Mulcahy, who orchestrated a plan to help kids get away the violence during the 'Troubles' in Northern Ireland. Frequently known as 'Project Children', the effort altered and saved the lives of over 20,000 kids.

The 'Troubles' - A Snapshot of History
The documentary provides insight into the societal and political struggle in Northern Ireland, infamously called 'the Troubles', which covered mainly from the late 1960s to the late 1990s. The effort to reunite Ireland unfortunately led to something much more destructive; violence and sectarian dispute instead of peaceful marriage. In the middle of the outbreak of chaos, explosions and bloodshed, Denis Mulcahy, an Irish immigrant and NYPD bomb disposal specialist, decided to do something about the heartbreaking scenario.

Denis Mulcahy - Catalyst of Change
The film depicts Mulcahy's journey from a common immigrant to a formidable figure. With a basic however outstanding idea, Mulcahy initiated 'Project Children' in 1975. Regardless of the enormity of the task and the significant risks included, the task aimed to offer kids from Northern Ireland a breather from the violent atmosphere, providing them a summertime vacation in America. The objective was to bring Protestant and Catholic children together in an environment lacking the pervasive stress and hostility back home.

Job Children-- A Beacon of Hope
Over the course of 4 decades, the movie showcases the success of Project Children, showing how it handled to bring together over 20,000 children from conflict-ridden Northern Ireland. The film shows how the experience exceptionally altered the lives of these kids by exposing them to another world, far eliminated from the hatred and violence they were utilized to.

The Influence of Project Children
The film firmly weaves the stories of a variety of former participants, highlighting the long-lasting impact of the task. It likewise emphasizes how these kids, when young victims of an unfortunate history, grew up to end up being employees, parents, and members of a worldwide community. They speak about the extraordinary experience of peace, friendship, and tolerance that the task offered throughout their summer abroad which helped to shape the rest of their lives.

Conclusion-- An Uplifting Documentary
"How to Defuse a Bomb: The Project Children Story" paints an engaging picture of hope and humanity in the middle of anguish. It captures the power of one male's vision that transformed numerous lives. The movie is profound and stirring, warning viewers versus the devastating prowess of violence on young lives while underlining the capability of love and harmony to mend fractured societies.

In last summary, this documentary informs the story of Denis Mulcahy's amazing venture. Through his undeviating dedication and humbleness, Mulcahy demonstrated how a touch of humanity can diffuse the metaphorical 'bombs' of hatred and exclusion. Eventually, the film stands as a testimony to the power of peace to cultivate transformative changes, in contrast to the divisiveness of a conflict.

Top Cast

  • Liam Neeson (small)
    Liam Neeson
    Narrator
  • Denis Mulcahy
    Himself
  • Bill Clinton (small)
    Bill Clinton
    Himself
  • Eamonn McCann
    Himself
  • Pat Mulcahy
  • Duke Hoffman
  • Carol Hoffman
  • Monica Culburt
  • Nancy Stanfield
  • Jim Stanfield
  • Peter Stanfield