"Unbroken"

One of the finest, if not the finest young actor of his generation is back on screen, in his third high profile film in the past 365 days.

Here Jack O' Connell plays Louis Zamperini, and we are introduced to his story.
We start off with his as a Bombadier on board a plane during World War II. There is a quite taut air battle sequence, which is really well executed. And during this sequence, he remembers back to past times, when he was younger, a tearaway, and an embarrassment to his loving parents.
His older brother takes him under his wing, and gets him to share his passion for running. And before he knows it young Louis is running for State and then for Country in the Olympics.
We are then back on board the plane, as the Crew receive a new assignement. To try and locate a plane and its missing crew. The only downside is that because of the need for planes in battle, they are given a clapped out museum piece but at least it is still airworthy. For now.....

Sure enough the stresses of being in the air tells on the plane, and soon enough it ditches in the Ocean, so another Crew is lost at sea.
Louis is one of three survivors. They battle against hunger, the elements, and also attack from sharks. To survive so long at sea is quite remarkable but two of them did manage to survive until they were rescued. Unfortunately for them the rescue came from the Japanese, and they promptly transported to a Prisoner of War camp. So from one ordeal to an even more horrific one.
The officer in charge of the camp seems determined to make life unbearable for Louis. But one thing that his Brother taught him was that if he could take it, then he could make it, and seems to be his lesson throughout all that he is dealt.

I think that it is fair to say that if the subject material were not based on a true story then one would have a hard time believing what Louis endures.

Derby born actor Jack O'Connell is certainly riding high at the moment, and rightly so. He is very justly getting the kind of reviews that an actor of his rich talent deserves, and remarkable more so for such a young age. Time and time again he amazes and wows on screen, after such great work on films like "Eden Lake", "Starred Up" and "71", he now brings to life the story of a true survivor.
There is excellent Direction from Angelina Jolie, she has seamlessly moved from in front of to behind the camera.
The film has attracted criticism, I think mainly people saying that it is trying to be an Oscar film, one that will attract the attention of the Academy. I think it is unjust, as it is a worthy film to watch.

A compelling story, wonderfully told.............8 out of 10

"'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

"Starred Up"

Prison films are always tough, gritty and uncompromising, and this new release is not exception. It is being hailed as a great British film, and one of the best Prison films ever made, and I am inclined to agree.

Eric is a young offender, who as the movie opens is being transferred to the big boys prison. His tough act may not impress many in his new surroundings. Within minutes of being in his new home, he has fashioned himself a weapon, just in case of protection, and ingratiated himself with the Wardens.
We experience day to day life within the Prison through Eric's eyes. Through a costly mistake, he shows the inmates and staff how volatile and violent he can be, and these actions upset Dennis, who oversees the wing that Eric has joined. His actions result in a lockdown, and this means a loss of business for Dennis. This does not go down well. Things have to change.

Eric is approached in the work yard by an old time lag. But it would seem that there is a connection between the two, as the elder convict is his Father, serving time in the same prison. He hopes to instill some parental control over his sons actions, and restore some calm to the Prison.
Though many see Eric as the young pretender, a mere nobody who thinks himself higher than he is, it soon becomes clear that he is someone not to be trifled with.
His father hopes that he can be calmed by Oliver, a volunteer who runs a classroom, where the inmates can talk about life, their time inside, and he tries to reassure them for when they leave prison. Initially the experience does not go well, but they do start to bond, especially when Oliver sees how brutal Eric can be, and believing that he can really do some good. But will he ultimately be successful?

This stark film is brilliantly directed by Brit David Mackenzie, and the screenplay by Jonathan Asser is based on his experiences working in a role similar to that of 'Oliver', nicely played by Rupert Friend. The film pulls no punches, is a brutal.violent depiction of life in prison. Peter Ferdinando is great as 'Dennis', the one who runs things inside, a quite slimy piece of work. Aussie Ben Mendelsohn has really lost his home accent, and excels as Eric's father, who has a few secrets of his own. But the film rightly belongs to Jack O' Connell who delivers a remarkable performance. His character conveys such anger, it makes one wonder what goes through an actors mind when they play those scenes? For a young actor of 23 years of age, he gives an assured performance, one of an actor far beyond his years, and he clearly has huge talent, that we will be enjoying for many years to come.

British, compelling, and worth the price of admission alone for O' Connell's outstanding work.....9 out of 10