'71

Yann Demange's '71 is by no means a film for the weak-hearted. It's a deeply intense film with suspense so thick, you could cut it with a butcher knife. It's also a brilliant film.

The film is set during the Troubles, a vicious time in recent Irish history between the Roman Catholics and the Protestants. It was a time of violence, bloodshed and unrest, and Demange effortlessly depicts the brutality. (Certainly not for weak stomachs.)

It's not just Demange's work that makes '71 so effective. There's also David Holmes' music and Tat Radcliffe's cinematography, both of which adds to the film's suspense (though the latter might not always please everyone). It's because of these that the film is so brutal.

Which brings us to Jack O'Connell's work. As he has proven over the previous year, O'Connell gives a performance that's raw and unflinching, something that only the boldest of actors would be willing to put themselves through. Suffice to say that O'Connell is going to be an actor to keep an eye on.

'71 is a brutal and vicious film to watch, and it's also fantastic. Thanks to the work of those involved, it's a film that you won't soon forget. Also, this would make for one hell of a double feature with Carol Reed's Odd Man Out. (It would also be an ideal time for O'Connell to do something more light-hearted. After all, his three breakout films -- the other two are Starred Up and Unbroken -- saw the living shit getting beaten out of him, so taking on a lighter role before getting typecast would be wise, don't you agree?)

My Rating: *****