Review of '71 (2014) by Wayne C — 20 Dec 2014
This year has been unrivaled in its wealth of strong independent cinema, and Yann Demange's debut historical thriller '71 is a continuation of that success. Set in 1971 in Belfast, the film focuses on an inexperienced British soldier who becomes separated from his platoon during the chaos of a riot, and is left to fend for himself in a strange and frightening environment.
The film captures the terror and brutality of war, as members on both sides willingly relinquish their humanity while others struggle to retain it. There's one particularly memorable scene that I won't soon forget, focusing on a shocking and unexpected bombing, and its protracted, bloody aftermath.
Demange's camera lingers on the devastation, as the ugly reality sinks in both for his characters and his audience, and it is one of the most memorably chilling images I've seen in cinema this year.
This is a film of raw visceral energy with a keen eye for sensation and emotional insight, and it is a spectacular achievement for independent filmmaking.
This review of '71 (2014) was written by Wayne C on 20 Dec 2014.
'71 has generally received very positive reviews.
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