25th April, 2015.
Did I mention that, at the start of April, I watched Jack O’Connell film, Starred Up: about a young prisoner who’s life changes radically, when he’s transferred from a Young Offenders Institute, to an adult prison.
It’s a very good film, I should add: one I believe is worth your time and money, much as it was mine.
I got paid, yesterday.
On the strength of that viewing?
On the strength of that viewing, sand the money burning a hole in my pocket, I decided to rent another film, tonight: after a (for me) long day.
The film in question?
The Yann Damange directed, Gregory Burke penned, Jack O’Connell film that is …
’71.
And, I hear you ask, IS it a genius piece of film making … ?
~≈Ê≈~
Set in 1971, ’71 sees Jack O’Connell as Private Gary Hook: a newly recruited soldier whose regiment are assigned to Belfast: at the height of The Troubles.
Trouble, on a personal level, starts for Hook when he gets separated from his squad: when they’re assigned to help members of the RUC during a house-to-house search.
With his fellow soldier shot? Hook is separated from his squad, still further … just as the riots go into overdrive.
It’s only when a passing child recognise he’s a lost soldier, that things start looking up.
The child — Corey McKinley — offers to take hime to a ‘friendly’ local pub. One that — as it turns out — is used quite frequently by Loyalist paramilitaries.
One that, as Hook is outside, getting some fresh air, explodes …
That’s where the fun really starts …
~≈Ê≈~
Now …
Genius?
I really couldn’t tell you if ’71 is a work of genius: either by writer, director or leading man.
I do know I’ve seen a film that endeavours to capture the essence of the period in Britain’s history: the good and bad done by both sides, and the sheer murk someone just trying to do their job — and get away, alive and with their principles intact — and does so very well.
Personally … ?
I’m not going to call ’71 a work of genius.
I AM going to suggest you see it.
I think it will repay you.
’71.
★★★★
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