'71 - B

Jack O'Connell

Rated R, 99 minutes
Wes's Grade: B

Engrossing war movie "71" isn't anything new but will keep you on edge

The gripping war film "'71" is a fictional story set against the backdrop of real events, the Northern Ireland Conflict in 1971, or as known to many, the Troubles. Bloody and intense, many aspects of it feel familiar but overall is a satisfying effort. Young and disoriented British soldier Gary Hook ("Unbroken's" lead Jack O'Connell) is accidentally abandoned by his unit following a riot on the deadly streets of Belfast in 1971. Beaten by a mob, he is alternately helped by random kindness from various locals and pursued by killers from both the Provisional IRA and the British Army's Military Reaction Force. The engrossing British action war film "'71" is directed by British TV director Yann Demange and written by playwright Gregory Burke, is stirring and well-acted, particularly in a breathless climax that will have you holding your breath. If it seems realistic, it's because "'71" was shot on location in Northern Ireland, using some of the same locals as the actual events; the screenplay doesn't delve into the complexities of the conflict as a whole, which is good since most Americans may not have a solid grasp of those events, instead focusing on the survival of O'Connell's character before his enemies get to him. On that note, the film's last act is a memorable, tense cat-and-mouse game that should have you on the edge of your seat until its satisfying conclusion; its twists and turns in that section in particular reminded a lot of another stellar war film, Spielberg's "Saving Private Ryan," which may tell you (without giving away spoilers) how the film turns out. O'Connell, who was beat up in the recent "Unbroken," gets hit quite a bit here too, but he handles it all very well. The often riveting and entertaining "'71" isn't revelatory in terms of war or action films, but it'll sure keep you engaged. Definitely worth a look.