’71 (2014) (English Language)

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99min

Cast: Jack O’Connell, Sean Harris, Paul Anderson …and more

A young private in the British army is deployed to 1970s Northern Ireland at the height of “The Troubles” to help control the volatile streets of West Belfast, only to find himself cut-off from his unit and navigating the perilous streets of a divided city in a life-threatening quest to get back to his barracks.

’71 is a gritty and action-heavy dramatic thriller starring young up-and-coming British star Jack O’Connell, soon to be seen in the Angelina Jolie-directed Biopic Unbroken.

There is nothing new about a drama set in the backdrop of the Ulster troubles and the complexities of the politics between all the parties involved, indeed ’71 differentiates itself from other films of the genre by only skimming over the complicated and divisive grievances that characterised the conflict. Instead director Yann Demange uses them as a backdrop for what is essentially a dark and engaging action-thriller which manages to ratchet up the tension and peril from start to finish.

Perhaps not the most polished and stylish wartime thriller, ’71 is nevertheless more than enthralling enough to keep the audience captivated for its duration and is an impressive feature-film directorial debut by Yann Demange.