I only had time for one movie during our week of having my picture taken with beloved movie characters, visiting famous movie locations, and riding movie-themed attractions. I had been wanting to see ’71 since its screening at TIFF last year and when my brother bought the DVD at LA’s Amoeba Music (my new favourite place), I finally had my chance.
Set mostly over one eventful night in 1971 Belfast, ’71 tells the story of a new recruit to the British army (Jack O’Connell, from Starred Up and Unbroken) who is left behind by his unit during a conflict with angry Irish Catholic Nationalists. The film follows the soldier’s fight to stay alive in hostile territory while injured and scared shitless which sets off a bloody chain of events with far-reaching consequences.
First-time director Yann Demange takes no violent act for granted and is careful to acknowledge the personal and political cost of every punch thrown, every bullet fired, and every bomb that goes off. There are a lot of interested parties here and Demange shows compassion to members of each group. It’s refreshing and admirable even when the increasingly complex narrative eventually loses some momentum with a heavy-handed finale.
’71 works best as a thriller. When Demange is reminding us of the very real danger that the soldier finds himself in. Violence is used sparingly and usually following an extended build-up of tension. Hand-held cameras masterfully capture foot chases through apartment complexes, sides streets, and back alleys. it doesn’t hurt that O’Connell is up for the challenge. There’s not a trace of old school heroism with this guy as he limps through Belfast with genuine fear in his eyes.
This film may not be perfect but it is a very good one. Good enough to take a 99-minute break from my vacation.
ASSHOLES WATCHING MOVIES 
Matt, sounds like a rewarding respite even though the topic is intense. I’ll have to rent it sometime.
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I hope we get to read about it when you do. The subject matter is definitely serious stuff but it’s actually not such a painful experience. They turn it into a bit of an action movie.
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LOVE the movie – we are running a Blu Ray giveaway for it next week 🙂 Need to see it again. O’Connell is always amazing.
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I’d never seen him before. I still haven’t seen either Starred Up or Unbroken.
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I agree that the film works best as a thriller. While not as strong as the hype led me to believe, the film was still solid nonetheless. I need to catch up with Starred Up and Unbroken, any recommendation on which one to tackle first?
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I haven’t seen them either but Luc reviewed Starred Up and Jay reviewed Unbroken and if memory serves I think Starred Up got the more ringing endorsement. I left a link to both reviews if you’re interested in reading more on their thoughts.
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I hadn’t heard of this before- I’m always a little weary with films on this subject. I will try to sit down and watch it over the next couple of weeks though, you’ve got me interested from your review!
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