Review // ’71

[projekktor id=’18021′]

’71 is the feature film directorial debut of Yann Demange. The visually striking, heart pounding tale of a young British solider caught behind enemy lines during the Northern Irish conflict is one of the most compelling films I’ve seen this year.

Jack O’Connell’s Pvt. Hook is the perfect conduit for any audience member. The silent protagonist finishes his basic training and is deployed to Northern Ireland to help the British Army deal with the growing conflict in the country. Before he sees duty we briefly meet his only family,a ten-year old brother who lives in a group home. This interaction shows the audience Hook’s role in the military. He isn’t playing hero, risking his life for Queen and country, the Army is his only option. After a heart-warming farewell Hook leaves for the Emerald Isle. Once there he’s thrust into a war he doesn’t belong in. Under the leadership of an idealistic, upper class commander, Lt. Armitage (Sam Reid), Hook is abandoned in Belfast after a routine mission to assist local PD becomes a riot.

The film which began in a classical manner, setting up characters and sprinkling plot points, suddenly does a 180. The chaos of the riot floods the film. Alone and the target of a group of young IRA members Hook bounds through the streets and back alleys of Belfast’s most dangerous area. The ensuing chase scene is both suspenseful and utterly masterful and the calm that follows is short lived. Finding refuge in an outhouse he is able to regain some semblance of where he is and what he needs to do. Stealing clothes off a nearby drying line, Hook attempts to blend into the Belfast night and find his way back to the barracks. Keeping his mouth shut, naturally. What ensues is an incredible action adventure that blends political intrigue with daring and beautiful imagery.

Gregory Burke crafts a universal story that could easily be transplanted into any civil conflict plaguing the world today but roots it in a place, time and voice that is accessible to most viewers.

O’Connell is captivating in the lead role. Despite a limited dialogue the actor imbues Hook with purpose and emotion. The supporting cast is also riveting, Killian Scott plays a young radical attempting to usurp the IRA leadership from the old guard (David Wilmot’s Boyle) while Barry Keoghan’s Sean plays an Irish teen caught in the battle that surrounds him. The real scene stealer is Corey McKinley. The young actor plays a foul mouthed British loyalist who attempts to bring Hook to safety.

While the camera may focus on Hook, its what’s happening around him that informs the story. And what’s unique about this battle ridden drama is that there aren’t any bad guys – at least not really. Sure, Hook has plenty of people out to get him – but in reality its a movie about individuals trying to survive, further their cause and fight for a brighter future. Gregory Burke crafts a universal story that could easily be transplanted into any civil conflict plaguing the world today but roots it in a place, time and voice that is accessible to most viewers.

The chaos of the story and the anxiety felt by the characters translates into the form of the film. It’s no wonder that Demange won the Best Director honour at the British Independent Film Awards. His efforts paired with cinematographer Tat Radcliffe’s keen eye result in a visually dynamic film.

Reviewed by Vithiya Murugadas.