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Documentary

The 8th (2020): Cast & Ratings

The 8th (2020) movie poster

The 8th is a 2020 documentary directed by Maeve O'Boyle and Aideen Kane, starring Ailbhe Smyth. It runs 1 hour 34 minutes and was made on a reported $550,000 budget. Its Echo Score is 89/100.

Echo Score
89
budget
$550K
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The 8th (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 34m (94 min)
Directors
Maeve O'Boyle and Aideen Kane
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
Budget
$550K
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The 8th About?

The premise of The 8th without spoilers.

The film follows veteran campaigner Ailbhe Smyth as she works to persuade a traditionally conservative electorate to support women’s reproductive rights. It recounts the events leading up to Ireland’s decision to overturn one of the world's most restrictive abortion laws. Through interviews and archival footage, the documentary explores the political and cultural shifts that ultimately led to this significant change in Irish law and societal attitudes.

The 8th Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • ireland
  • abortion
  • women's rights
  • abortion law
  • referendum
  • political campaign
  • irish politics
  • reproductive rights
  • abortion rights
  • constitutional amendment
  • irish history
  • healthcare system
+38 more
  • constitution
  • irish woman
  • voting
  • activism
  • dublin ireland
  • woman activist
  • reference to roe v. wade
  • healthcare
  • catholic church
  • illegal abortion
  • irish politician
  • campaigning
  • legislation
  • catholic priest
  • anti abortion activist
  • abortion pill
  • oireachtas
  • female politician
  • wanting abortion
  • pregnancy
  • suicide threat
  • legal system
  • human rights violation
  • political protest
  • protest march
  • feminism
  • human rights campaign
  • women's rights movement
  • women's rights activism
  • women's rights activist
  • political movement
  • social campaigner
  • female activist
  • election campaigner
  • recording a podcast
  • canvassing
  • canvassing the neighborhood
  • abortion debate
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Cast & crew

The 8th Cast

Ailbhe Smyth stars in The 8th. Directed by Maeve O'Boyle and Aideen Kane.

From the directors

More from Maeve O'Boyle and Aideen Kane

One more film directed by Maeve O'Boyle and Aideen Kane: Joan Baez I Am A Noise.

Ratings

The 8th Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 89/100, strongest in art & craft (92) and weakest in rewatch factor (80).

89 /100

The 8th Echo Score Breakdown

The documentary delivers a compelling and meticulously crafted account of a pivotal social movement, emphasizing both factual clarity and emotional resonance. Critics highlight the directors' adept handling of archival material, the cohesive narrative structure, and the film's capacity to evoke a collective sense of catharsis. This blend of thorough research and affective storytelling positions the work as a noteworthy contribution to contemporary documentary cinema, offering lasting relevance beyond its initial viewing.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 92

    In terms of art and craft, the film demonstrates a high level of technical proficiency. Reviewers note the effective integration of found footage, digital inserts, and illustration, which enhance visual storytelling. The editing maintains a steady rhythm that supports the expansive historical scope. Overall, the production values reinforce the documentary’s authority and aesthetic appeal.

  • Character & Emotion 87

    Regarding character and emotional depth, the documentary succeeds in portraying the personal stakes of its participants. Critics comment on the nuanced portrayal of campaigners and the film’s ability to elicit genuine empathy. While it lacks conventional acting, the interviews and archival voices create a layered emotional texture. Consequently, the work resonates strongly on a human level.

  • Story & Flow 90

    The story and flow are articulated with clarity and purpose. Reviewers appreciate the film’s straightforward exposition that avoids condescension, while still delivering a coherent chronological narrative. The pacing balances broader political developments with individual testimonies, sustaining engagement throughout. Ultimately, the narrative structure effectively conveys the significance of the historic amendment.

  • Sensory Experience 85

    Sensory experience is supported by a thoughtful soundscape and a visually cohesive style. Critics mention the purposeful use of music and sound design that underscores pivotal moments without overwhelming them. The visual palette, integrating archival clips with modern graphics, creates consistency that aids comprehension. This sensory arrangement complements the film’s informational goals.

  • Rewatch Factor 80

    The rewatch factor is strong due to the documentary’s enduring relevance and layered content. Reviewers suggest that repeated viewings reveal additional contextual details and deeper appreciation of the campaign’s complexity. While the subject is historically specific, its broader themes of civic engagement maintain appeal over time, encouraging viewers to return to the film.

Videos

The 8th Trailers & Videos

The trailer of The 8th.

The 8th UK Trailer
Details

The 8th Also Known As

Also known as “第8修正案”.

Also known as
  • 第8修正案

Seen The 8th?

FAQ

The 8th FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, budget and post-credit scenes of The 8th, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The 8th?

The 8th runs 1 hour 34 minutes (94 minutes).

When was The 8th released?

The 8th was released on June 11, 2020.

Who directed The 8th?

The 8th was directed by Maeve O'Boyle and Aideen Kane.

More films by Maeve O'Boyle

Who is in the cast of The 8th?

The 8th stars Ailbhe Smyth.

What was the budget of The 8th?

The 8th had a reported budget of $550,000.

Does The 8th have a post-credit scene?

No. The 8th has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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