On '71

British rule in Ireland and the IRA is a complex subject that occasionally rears its brutal head in film and previous to ’71 most recently in the excellent Shadow Dancer (2012) and Hunger (2008). The former dealt quite directly with the larger issues in a more general manner, while the latter focused on a very specific issue. Both explored the question of Irish devolution and were, in their own ways, unafraid to delve into the brutality of the long-standing war.

Yann Demange’s ’71 is a welcome addition to the canon and, while focusing upon the very specific issue of a soldier trapped on the wrong side of line, makes far larger statements about terrorism, the role of invasion and the political secrecy surrounding war. These statements are all boldly and vividly made. Occasionally this results in less attention being given to character development or satisfying completion of all storylines, but ’71 is an issue film and these should always be celebrated and seen.

Demange draws excellent performances from his cast, especially O’Connell who is commanding in a very taciturn role. The brutality of the film is at times difficult, but organically evolves from the situation and the story being told. This is a solidly crafted piece of suspense cinema.