’71, 2014.
Directed by Yann Demange.
Starring Jack O’Connell, Paul Anderson, Richard Dormer, Sean Harris, Barry Keoghan, Martin McCann, Charlie Murphy, and Sam Reid.
SYNOPSIS:
In the divided city of Belfast at the height of The Troubles, a rookie British soldier finds himself separated from his unit and lost in IRA-controlled territory.
British soldiers are put through a gruelling training exercise in preparation for being deployed; disappointment reigns for them when their assignment leads to Belfast rather than to Germany. Before heading off one of the recruits visits a young boy and has a playful game of soccer with him and reassuringly states that everything will be fine as he is not leaving the country.
The troops are led by a novice commander who makes the fateful decision of not using riot gear when assisting the police to arrest suspects in the Catholic district of the city. Things get quickly out of hand as the inhabitants witness beatings being administered by the law enforcement officers. During the ensuing riot, a young boy runs off with an assault rifle which results in two British soldiers chasing after him. The thief is apprehended but the unruly crowd is quick to administer a thrashing to his captors with one of them being executed at point blank range.
Survival for the remaining British soldier who escapes is severely compromised as his unit has evacuated the area, he witnesses a secretive meeting which makes him a liability for the British undercover agents, and the IRA orchestrates a manhunt for him. A cat and mouse game ensues where the protagonist must rely on his military training and the kindness of residents living in the hostile area.
Hardly any screen time is wasted as exposition and dialogue are kept to a minimum and the inciting incident happens swiftly. Credit must be given to Jack O’Connell (This Is England) for letting his actions speak volumes much like Matt Damon (The Monuments Men) was able to achieve portraying Jason Bourne. The film score heightens the tension without overpowering the imagery while the handheld camera approach thrusts moviegoers into the middle of the action.
One criticism is that the concluding scenes feel unnecessary after the hallway shot. The zigzagging pursuit through the back alleyways is an adrenaline rush and quieter moments allow for some breathing room. Cinematic efficiency is displayed by a clothesline being discovered by the main character and the next moment he is sneaking out disguised in civilian clothing. Overall, ’71 is an impressive feature film debut for director Yann Demange.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★★★★/ Movie: ★★★★
Originally published September 7, 2014. Updated April 13, 2018.
