Director: Yann Demange
By Alex Watson
Rarely pausing for breath throughout, debut director Yann Demange has brought us a chest tightening thriller in 71. Helped by a tight and well crafted script by Gregory Burke, early on the tension is simmering below the surface. Before long we are thrown into the literally the worse place on earth! What makes this movie stand out however is the will of one man to survive and his having to learn who is friend from a potential killer!
Gary Hook (Jack O'Connell) is a young soldier who has been deployed to Belfast, Northern Ireland. But when a routine raid goes terribly wrong, Hook is accidentally left behind by his fellow soldiers. Faced with street filled with IRA killers, this young man must navigate his own way back to the barracks. But how will he stay undetected? And more importantly who is willing to help him?
From the moment that Gary arrives 1971 Northern Ireland, it is made clear the Brits are not welcome! One early scene sees the soldiers pelted with bags of urine by young men and told to go home. Belfast is a city divided into catholic and protestant sections- neither of which particularly relishes British intervention. However during a routine search, a hostile crowd begins to form, right then you can feel the dangerous winds of change coming. When his young commanding officer (Sam Reid) panics under pressure, all hell breaks loose! From there 71's quietly building suspense surrounds the movie like a heavy blanket.
There is evil on both sides of the line as Gary has to not only contend with a faction of IRA loyalists looking to ensure he never gets home. But there is also some dubious goings on with a group of undercover British soldiers led by Browning (Sean Harris). The baddies in this one are unfortunately, slightly cliched ones and the lack of understanding about the motives of Browning and co does hinder the film somewhat. Especially as their interest in Gary never quiet adds up?
Left all alone on the streets, the continually look of terror on Hook's face is one that is also permanent through 71! Being deep in enemy territory he has to not only keep his wits about him, but look for any small chance of survive. More importantly, who is he to trust on this wild adventure? The kindly young boy who offers assistance could be just as easily luring him into a life ending trap! Could the nice father and daughter who take him in being risking their own lives to save his? This guessing game is makes our blood run cold as Demange cranks up the fear factor.
Jack O'Connell demonstrates just why is such a highly regarded young talent and in 71 he strengthens his case. His most impressive element to his performance is the smart downplaying of heroism. Gary is not made out to be a hero or a crusader- just an ordinary guy who is scared out of his mind and wants nothing more than survival. His spirit and hard desire to make it back give him our support throughout and O'Connell brings this character to life.
71 is a movie that succeeds through its excellent set pieces and the stunning direction of Demange. Highly rated upon its release in Europe, and this praise has been well earned. Just go in expecting the unexpected and it will make what follows an easier ride. Just be sure what watch your heart rate though.
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