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FIFTY DEAD MEN WALKING

With Jim Sturgess, Ben Kingsley, Natalie Press, Rose McGowan, Kevin Zegers, Tom Collins, William Houston, Conor MacNeill

Written by Kari Skogland (based on the book by Nicholas Davies & Martin McGartland)
Directed by Kari Skogland

There was a time when the deadly IRA / British Army and Catholic / Protestant situation in Northern Ireland made frequent turns in screen dramas. This look back at the absolutely futile ripping apart of a society is based on true events. Martin (a young man not sympathetic to any side, yet rebellious against the Brits occupying his area), does whatever he can to make ends meet (which mostly involves selling of stolen goods – something upon which the IRA frowns with extreme punishment). The dilemma with which he is faced is the fact that Catholic men can't get jobs, forcing many to go the less honest route, making it dangerous from all sides. Then Martin is offered a job by a British agent to act as informer. On the one hand he can be seen as selling out his people, on the other, saving innocent lives on both sides. But, the main motivation is being paid and getting a car, making it possible to care for his new family and not struggling. When actually getting so far as to be inducted into the IRA, and trusted by its high command, things go South when it seems like he is found out.
A tense, energetic film, but sometimes a bit depressing (knowing that this happened not long ago, and can easily raise its ugly head again), exploring the situation, as well as the relationship between the informant and his handler, the viewer feeling for both of them and the country torn apart.
While set in the '80s, the movie has a very '70s look and feel (which may be attributed to the fact that Ireland was left behind a bit due to its biting political situation).

Unfortunately this particular release has no extra features. A documentary on the real characters would've been welcome.

5 / C
- Paul Blom


0 1 2 3 4 5 6
- A - B - C

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6 - Volcanic
5 - Blistering
4 - Hot
3 - Smolder
2 - Room Temp.
1 - Fizzled
0 - Extinguished

A: Multiple Viewing Potential
B: Deserves Another Look
C: Once Should Suffice

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