71- Film Analysis

71 is a 2014 action/thriller directed by Yann Demange, the film follows a young British soldier who is abandoned by his unit in Belfast where he must try to escape the deadly labyrinth of streets, while trying to avoid the severe threat caused by the 'troubles' happening at the time in 1971. Director Yann Demange received the 'British Independent Film Award for Best director' after directing '71' in his film debut. We are able to gain a perspective about the chaos and anarchy that continued in Belfast for many years as the film uses the protagonist Gary Hook (Jack O'Connell) to allow the audience a clear insight into the various intense situations many soldiers endured,as Hook attempts to escape the brutal war zone.Themes of violence, confusion and religion are evident in the film.  

Cinematographer Tat Radcliffe did an excellent job in using a variety of shots to portray and intensify how dangerous the deadly streets of Belfast were in 1971, in the key scene where Hook desperately attempts to escape the IRA gun man a handheld camera is used following the protagonists and antagonists through the war battered streets of Belfast. This use of the handheld camera allowed this particular scene to grip the audience as it effectively intensified the already deadly situation, it was successful in doing this as these shots along side the running and gunshots produced an extremely fast pace intense scene leaving the audience unsure about the fate of Hook. The grim reality of the war in Belfast was also made clear by the camera in this scene being purposefully shaky leaving an almost scrappy imprecise effect on the audience, mirroring the grim streets of Belfast where Hook scales walls and runs through broken buildings and debris in order to save him self from the incoming bullets. The theme of confusion is displayed cleverly throughout the film as we see many actors performances change as they are unsure of what side they have taken in this war of religion, this clearly shows us how people unwillingly took part in the brutal conflict in order to protect themselves against the opposing religion (Catholics and Protestants). 

In conclusion 71 successfully covered the topic of 'living with crime' while giving the audience a detailed insight into the chaos and despair people suffered during 'The Troubles' in Ireland. I thoroughly enjoyed this film as the use of cinematography effectively created a gripping action film, which also allowed me to gain knowledge of the 'troubles' in Ireland resulting in me being educated about the on going crime Belfast suffers over this divide caused ultimately by religion.