Review of '71 (2014) by Manny C — 23 Mar 2015
The title refers to the year 1971, the year that Gary Hook (Jack O'Connell), a private in the British army, funds himself alone on the streets of Belfast. That predicament makes him a sitting duck for the warring forces of Catholic nationalists, already embroiled in their own internal conflicts with the notorious IRA and other insurgents, and Protestant loyalists.
Basically, Gary is in deep shit. '71, a barcing, hard-charging debut from TV director Yann Demange, makes sure we feel every wincing, violent moment with Gary, the threat of death lurking around every corner. Director Paul Greengrass brought documentary-like immediacy in his telling of the Troubles in 2002's Bloody Sunday, but Demange's film, starring an outstanding O'Connell, is seeking to make the personal more political. It can be a bit much, but why harp on an ambitious film that provides so many knockout moments? You don't.
This review of '71 (2014) was written by Manny C on 23 Mar 2015.
'71 has generally received very positive reviews.
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