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'71
2014 99 min United Kingdom R 12+
★7.6
Thriller, Action, Drama, War
Director: Yann Demange
Trailers
Description
A young British soldier must find his way back to safety after his unit accidentally abandons him during a riot in the streets of Belfast.
Budget:
$11M
US Gross:
$1.27M
Worldwide:
$3.2M
Starring
Jack O'Connell
Actor
Sam Reid
Actor
Sean Harris
Actor
Awards
Berlin International Film Festival 2014
— Ecumenical Jury Prize – Special Mention
BAFTA 2015
— Best Debut (Screenplay, Direction or Production)
BAFTA 2015
— Alexander Korda Award for Outstanding British Film
Berlin International Film Festival 2014
— Golden Bear
Berlin International Film Festival 2014
— Best Debut
Berlin International Film Festival 2014
— Ecumenical Jury Prize – Special Mention
Key opinion
'71 is widely praised as an intense, grounded war thriller that effectively captures the chaotic, claustrophobic nature of the Troubles in Belfast. While a few viewers found the narrative pace uneven or the political context underspecified, most critics and audiences commend the film's visceral atmosphere and strong central performance.
| Acting | Jack O'Connell delivers a breakthrough performance that anchors the film with raw intensity and emotional depth. | |
| Cinematography | The handheld, gritty cinematography masterfully heightens the sense of jeopardy and war-torn claustrophobia. | |
| Direction | Yann Demange avoids conventional genre spectacle, opting for an authentic, non-idealized depiction of urban guerrilla warfare. | |
| Theme | The film's neutral, anti-militarist perspective effectively mirrors the confusion and moral ambiguity of the conflict. | |
| Pacing | Opinions on pacing are divided: some find the relentless, survival-driven momentum gripping, while others characterize the mid-section as sluggish and lacking character development. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is praised for its sparse, evocative writing, though some viewers find the lack of historical context and dialogue makes the narrative difficult to follow. |