'71 (film)

71

Company type	Film
Industry	Film industry
Founded	2014
Founder	Yann Demange (director), Gregory Burke (screenwriter)
Products	Thriller film

'71 is a 2014 British thriller film marking the feature debut of director Yann Demange, with a screenplay by Gregory Burke. Set against the backdrop of Northern Ireland, the cast includes Jack O'Connell, Sean Harris, David Wilmot, Richard Dormer, Barry Keoghan, Paul Anderson, and Charlie Murphy. The narrative centers on a British soldier who becomes separated from his unit during a riot in Belfast amidst the Troubles of 1971. Principal photography began in April 2013, primarily in Blackburn, Lancashire, with additional filming locations in Sheffield, Leeds, and Liverpool.

Funding for the movie was provided by the British Film Institute, Film4, Creative Scotland, and Screen Yorkshire. It debuted in competition at the 64th Berlin International Film Festival in February 2014, earning praise for Demange’s direction and O'Connell’s portrayal. The production had a budget of £8.1 million and achieved worldwide box office receipts totaling $3.1 million.

Plot

In 1971, Gary Hook, a recent enlistment in the British Army, is assigned to Belfast during the initial phase of the Troubles. His platoon, led by the inexperienced Second Lieutenant Armitage and lacking protective equipment, assists the Royal Ulster Constabulary in conducting house searches for weapons amid escalating tensions between largely Republican Irish Catholics and predominantly Loyalist Ulster Protestants. When local residents protest these searches, confrontations break out. During the chaos, a soldier drops his L1A1 rifle, which is grabbed by a boy who flees. Hook and fellow soldier Thompson give chase but are left behind as their unit retreats. Both soldiers suffer assaults; Thompson is subsequently fatally shot by Provisional IRA operative Paul Haggerty. Hook remains concealed until nightfall.

Hook eventually stumbles into the Loyalist-controlled Shankill Estate and is brought to a pub where Sergeant Lewis of the clandestine Military Reaction Force (MRF) oversees bomb construction. The device detonates prematurely, causing casualties including the boy who led Hook there. Responsibility for the bombing is contested between Provisional and Official IRA factions.

Wounded, Hook is discovered by Eamon, a Catholic former medic, and his daughter Brigid, who shelter him in their home located in the Divis Flats. Though under Provisional IRA dominance, Eamon reaches out to Official IRA member Boyle for assistance, hoping for a more compassionate approach. Boyle contacts Captain Browning of the MRF to disclose Hook’s whereabouts, demanding in return that Browning arrange for the elimination of James Quinn, an influential Provisional IRA commander.

Quinn’s unit has been surveilling Boyle and detects his visit to Eamon’s residence. Sensing imminent danger, Hook flees armed with a knife. He kills Haggerty but is soon captured by Quinn’s men. Quinn commands Sean—a reluctant youth involved earlier—to execute Hook. When Sean falters, Quinn prepares to kill Hook himself but departs as Browning’s team arrives. Sergeant Lewis shoots Sean and attempts to kill Hook to ensure silence. Lieutenant Armitage intervenes; Sean fires at Lewis before being mortally wounded by Armitage. Browning locates Quinn and orders him to eliminate Boyle.

Hook returns safely to base. Although Armitage files an official complaint concerning the events involving Hook, Lewis, and Sean, military command dismisses it as 'a confused situation.' Subsequently, Hook leaves Belfast for England, discarding his dog tags and reuniting with his younger brother as they embark on a new chapter far from conflict.

Cast

• Jack O'Connell portrays Gary Hook
• Richard Dormer appears as Eamon
• Charlie Murphy plays Brigid
• David Wilmot takes on the role of Boyle
• Sean Harris as Captain Sandy Browning
• Killian Scott features as James Quinn
• Sam Reid acts as Second Lieutenant Armitage
• Barry Keoghan portrays Sean Bannon
• Paul Anderson is Sergeant Leslie Lewis
• Jack Lowden plays Thompson ("Thommo")
• Adam Nagaitis appears as Jimmy
• Martin McCann acts as Paul Haggerty
• Babou Ceesay in the role of Corporal
• James McArdle portrays Sergeant Mark McGowen
• Corey McKinley as Billy Loyalist child
• Paul Popplewell plays Training Corporal
• Amy Molloy as Mother in Raided House
• Valene Kane appears as Orla Spitting Girl
• Harry Verity in the role of Darren

Reception

According to Rotten Tomatoes, 96% of 138 critics gave favorable reviews, with an average score of 7.80 out of 10. The critical consensus reads: "'71 is powerfully directed and acted, remaining faithful to its factual roots while delivering a compelling action thriller." On Metacritic, the film holds an 83/100 rating based on 33 critiques, signifying "universal acclaim."

Kenneth Turan from the Los Angeles Times described '71 as "a gripping British thriller that skillfully combines physical intensity, emotional depth, and political insight." Manohla Dargis of The New York Times lauded Jack O'Connell’s energetic performance that injects vitality into the film. The Hollywood Reporter praised director Yann Demange for drawing nuanced performances from an experienced ensemble. Jonathan Romney writing for Film Comment appreciated the film’s fusion of near-documentary realism with thriller conventions, despite some predictable moments.

Accolades

At the 2014 British Independent Film Awards, '71 secured Best Director among nine nominations.

The National Board of Review recognized '71 as one of the top 10 independent films in 2015.

Award	Ceremony Date	Category	Nominees	Outcome
British Independent Film Awards	7 December 2014	Best British Independent Film	71	Template:Nominated
		Best Director	Yann Demange	Template:Won
		Best Actor	Jack O'Connell	Template:Nominated
		Best Supporting Actor	Sean Harris	Template:Nominated
		Best Screenplay	Gregory Burke	Template:Nominated
		Best Technical Achievement	Chris Wyatt (Editing)	Template:Nominated
			Tat Radcliffe (Cinematography)	Template:Nominated
		Best Achievement in Production	71	Template:Nominated
		The Douglas Hickox Award for Debut Director	Yann Demange	Template:Nominated