"'71"

The troubles in Ireland have been the basis for many great movies, and here is the latest.

During 1971, Gary Hook finds himself and the rest of his Army buddies being sent to Northern Ireland, to assist with Security for the Irish authorities. As well as having superior officers to deal with, the Lieutenant in charge of the unit also has to answer to the MRF (Military Reaction Force), which was a covert team working undercover in Belfast.

On the streets of Belfast they find themselves, as they have the unenviable job of keeping the peace whilst the Authorities search houses for weapons and suspects. During one such day, the Police get a little heavy handed and a mob promptly arrives. Tempers really start to rise, and things quickly get out of control, and it soon is clear that the Army is woefully outnumbered. As soon as the soldiers come under attack, and are getting injured, the pile into the truck to make their escape.
However, Gary and a fellow soldier are still on the Streets, and in a shocking attack, one of them is killed. So Gary finds himself badly injured, and on the streets alone, and in great fear for his life.

Right from the first frame, the film has a documentary feel to it, which really enhances the tension. The graininess of the print, the colours, the detail of recreating early 1970's Belfast is done with great precision, one might almost think it was shot at the time.

There are outstanding performances from all concerned, but special mention to Barry Keoghan, who with very litttle dialogue manages to instill a great sense of anger, and also to Corey McKinley who plays a cocky young Irish lad who befriends Gary, and is his salvation.
But ultimately it is Jack O'Connell who shines in another wonderfully brilliant example of why he is one of the finest young actors of his generation. Anyone who has seen "Eden Lake", "Starred Up" or "Harry Brown" will know exactly what I am referring to.

I did feel like I aged about 5 years watching this film, as the tension is remarkable. From the moment Gary is left behind, to the gripping finale, one really does fear for his life, and given that he has warring Irish to desl with, but also there is an equal threat from his own side, after he witnesses some of the MRF clearly working outside of their remit.
The wonderfully unplayed score adds to the gripping tension that slowly builds, as we see people trying to find Gary Hook, but whether they will help him or kill him I will leave you to wonder.
Directing this biopic docu movie is Yann Demange, and what a phenomenal job he does. And he has assembled a first class team to work on this film.

Powerful, tense, and a top notch example of truly fine British film making........9 out of 10