Offering viewers a political, historical, and religious framework in which to study and discuss, this program recounts the heartbreaking narrative of Northern Ireland's Troubles. It sheds light on the origins of the dispute, which date to before 1690, while focusing on tensions that surged to the breaking point in the 20th century. Why was it so difficult for various communities - Catholic, Protestant, Republican, and Unionist - to coexist? Why did their differences lead to such bitter violence and thousands of deaths? And why, finally, did these communities decide to search for a peaceful solution? Using interviews with scholars and veterans of the conflict, the film encourages viewers to assess political developments in Northern Ireland and whether or not they represent a secure and lasting peace.