Review of '71 (2014) by Josh O — 11 Nov 2014

Set in Belfast just before the troubles intensified. Most of the British army's newest recruits are thrown into the deep end and sent to Ireland to ease the tension. Unprepared for urban conflict they lose control of a situation involving an angry crowd of protesters and Jack O' Connell gets lost amongst enemy lines in West Belfast.

Yann Demange does a great job at making the story as neutral as possible and serves up a quality anti-war film. From, the build up banter with the soldiers comparing the city to various cities across the U.K. and friendly banter with the local piss throwing youth to the first riot when they truly realize that they really are in over their heads and the inevitable game of cat and mouse with the PIRA.

Burke's script also touches on the many realities of the troubles. Collusion, the fued between the officials and the Provos, the fear in nationalist communities of the PIRA and the hatred between both the Catholic and Protestant communities. A quality cast in the always excellent Sean Harris, David Wilmot, Paul Anderson, Sam Reid and in particular Jack O'Connell. The film is best summed up by Richard Dormer's character "War is just rich cunts, ordering thick cunts to kill poor cunts". A fantastic film.