'71

'71 is a 2014 British thriller film directed by Yann Demange and written by Greg Shields, Paul Laverty, and Jack Bond, based on a script by Shields. The film is set during the Northern Ireland Troubles, a period of sectarian conflict that plagued Northern Ireland from the late 1960s to the late 1990s. The story begins in August 1971, with a series of events that will lead to a British soldier being left stranded in the midst of a riot. The film introduces us to Gary Hook, a young British soldier played by Jack O'Connell, who is part of an undercover operation in the Catholic-dominated neighborhoods of Belfast. Gary's mission is to gather intelligence on potential IRA bombers but his unit is discovered and a violent riot ensues. As the violence intensifies, the unit becomes scattered, and Gary is accidentally left behind. He finds himself alone, lost in the midst of the chaos, with no clear direction or plan to escape. With a mixture of confusion and desperation, Gary tries to make sense of his situation and navigate the treacherous streets of Belfast, where sectarian tensions are running high. Gary's situation is complicated further as he is mistaken for a Protestant and is attacked by a group of Catholic rioters. He is aided by a young woman named Brigid, played by Paula McFetridge, who helps him escape from the mob and find temporary refuge. However, their fragile alliance is soon broken as they are confronted by a group of British soldiers who have been ordered to clear the streets. Gary soon realizes that his best chance of survival lies in finding a police station where he can seek refuge. However, he is aware that the police may not be willing to take him in, as the unit that left him behind may have been seen as collaborating with the authorities. As he navigates the streets, Gary is constantly on the lookout for any sign of danger, and his desperation to find safety becomes increasingly palpable. As the film unfolds, Gary's situation becomes increasingly precarious. He faces a series of close calls, including being caught in a hail of gunfire and being chased by a group of rioters. At one point, he takes refuge in an abandoned flat, where he encounters a young couple who may hold the key to his escape. However, it becomes clear that Gary's only hope of survival lies in escaping across the British army checkpoint, which he believes will take him into safe territory. However, he knows that the checkpoint is heavily guarded, and crossing it will be no easy feat. As the riot subsides and the army tightens its grip on the city, Gary must use all his wits and resourcefulness to evade capture and make it to the other side. The film's tense and suspenseful climax sees Gary making a desperate attempt to cross the checkpoint, using a ruse to evade the guards and slip into the safety of British-controlled territory. However, his plan may not be as foolproof as he thinks, and he faces a final, terrifying showdown with enemy forces. The film ends with Gary, battered and bruised, finally making it to the safety of the British army base. However, the experience has left him shaken, and he is left to wonder if his actions are truly serving a greater cause. As he looks out into the distance, he can't help but feel a sense of disillusionment and disconnection from the larger conflict that has left him stranded in the midst of the chaos. Throughout the film, '71 offers a gripping and intense portrayal of the Northern Ireland Troubles, with a focus on the human cost of conflict and the vulnerability of individual soldiers in the midst of chaos. The film's use of location and setting adds to the sense of tension and unease, and O'Connell's convincing performance brings Gary's harrowing ordeal to life. The film's exploration of themes, such as loyalty, identity, and the complexities of conflict, adds depth and nuance to the narrative, making it a compelling and thought-provoking watch.