The movie '71'

Last weekend we went to see the movie '71.  It is directed by Yann Demange and stars Jack O'Connell as a British soldier caught up in the 'troubles' in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1971.

Banner for '71

O'Connell plays Gary Hook, a young army recruit who we first see in a prologue going through basic training with his squad -- emphasizing physical endurance and teamwork.  He and his fellow recruits learn that instead of going to Germany as they had expected, they're heading to Belfast to support British forces trying to control the conflict between Roman Catholics and Protestants that has turned that city and the rest of Northern Ireland into a divided war zone.

Before he departs for Belfast with his unit, Gary spends an idyllic military leave with his younger brother (Wikipedia says it's his son, but I disagree) who's living in an orphanage or group home -- they kick a soccer ball around and generally have a good time, although the night porter at the home gives them grief for missing the 5pm curfew.

Suddenly, Hook and his squad are on a military transport to Belfast.  Almost before they can stow their gear they are sent out on a mission to assist in the search for weapons in a Catholic neighborhood of Belfast.  A small riot ensues; one of the squad members is injured; while the squad is engaged in saving him a kid grabs a dropped rifle and runs off with it; Hook and another soldier chase after the kid; someone shoots Hook's comrade in the face; in all of the confusion the squad jumps in their vehicles and departs; Hook and his dead comrade are left behind.

Over the next 24 hours Hook is on his own in the Catholic neighborhood.  Not able to tell friend from foe, ally from enemy, Hook runs, hides, accepts assistance, gets blown-up, fixed-up and finally saved -- but not before he uncovers a double-agent who seems to be working with both sides in the conflict.  

With all of the strange accents and dialects, it's hard for an American to grasp this in detail as it unfolds, but it ultimately becomes clear that the film-makers use the audience's frustration to simulate the disorientation of Hook's predicament -- whom to trust when there are no uniforms or other identifying characteristics about those he encounters?  There are final plot twists that will leave you gasping and questioning your previous conclusions about who the good guys are.

There is a short epilogue where Hook returns to Britain and reclaims his younger brother/son from the group home.  The last scene shows them on the bus back to their home in the countryside.

This movie is really about urban guerrilla warfare -- whether it's Vietnam or Northern Ireland; Iraq or Afghanistan; Mosul or Homs.  Being unable to identify your enemies until they attempt to kill you is bewildering and terrifying -- and probably causes PTSD.