'71

’71 (2014)

• Director: Yann Demange
• Based on the book: no
• Cast: Jack O’Connell, Sam Reid, Sean Harris, Barry Keoghan, David Wilmot, Charley Murphy
• Personal “oh yeah him/her” reaction, i.e. have seen this actor in:
• Sean Harris – Macbeth, Prometheus, Brighton Rock, Red Riding, 24 Hour Party People
• David Wilmott – Good Vibrations, Intermission
• Charley Murphy – Quirke, Philomena, Misfits
• Why? The history
• Seen: 1 November 2022      

In 1971 the situation is ‘deteriorating’ in Belfast so British soldiers are sent in. Gary Hook (O’Connell) is one of them. If you don’t know about ‘the Troubles’, Google it.

The Catholics are hostile to the presence of the British troops and during a riot Gary is separated from his unit.

It’s a compelling thriller showing all three sides of the conflict, the Catholics, the Protestants and the English soldiers, the brutality and senselessness of all three. There is drama, suspense and grimness. There is macho posturing, violence and blurry lines between the good guys and the bad guys. Mostly they’re all bad guys.

Atmosphere, dark nightmarish visuals, pulsing music and good acting add up to a film worth seeing.

3½ * of 5