Review of '71 (2014) by David F — 14 Jun 2015
The troubles in Northern Ireland are still as raw a subject any filmmaker could deal with, it was basically a civil war over 30 years on British soil.
So its to director Yann Demanges credit that he gives us an even handed thriller in which all sides are capable of acts of extreme violence.
Jack O Connell plays young soldier Gary Hook a young soldier who is plunged right into the heart of the troubles when he is cut off from his unit when a routine suspect scoop goes awry.
Over the next few hours Hook must avoid all sides as he tries to return to his barracks.
Demange is served well by his strong cast and O Connell is outstanding as the man trapped in the middle of a deadly game he knows little about.
Sean Harris is great as a rather nasty deep cover soldier who uses his skills to deadly effect.
The film shows just how pointless and destructive the whole period of the troubles were with even factions for the same cause willing to cause the death of each other.
The film is vibrant and gritty and it marks out both it director and star as ones to watch.
This review of '71 (2014) was written by David F on 14 Jun 2015.
'71 has generally received very positive reviews.
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