Film Reviews

Fifty Dead Men Walking

• Rating:
• Director:
• Starring: Ben Kingsley
• Details: UK/Canada / 117mins (15A).

Based on Martin McGartland's book, Fifty Dead Men Walking opens with a bang: McGartland (Sturgess) is shot in his car in 2001, in a scene that boasts the edgy style of Paul Greengrass, and this sets the tone for the rest of the film. The story then cuts back to 1988, where a young Martin is running the IRA/British Army gauntlet by selling knock off gear in Catholic areas. He's recruited by the IRA as a driver but, not long after, he's approached by Special Branch 'handler' Fergus (Kinglsey) to tout on the IRA's movements for the British. Convinced he'll save lives (the title refers to the lives saved) if he leaks intelligence to the British, Martin's situation gets ever more precarious as he rises through the ranks of the IRA and lands himself a family with Lara (Press)...

What is impressive about Fifty Dead Men Walking is, if politics were taken out of it, the film still works as a gritty urban thriller - something akin to the underrated Nothing Personal. Skogland, who owes a debt of gratitude to her set designer for fully realising the era, brings frenetic energy to the action scenes and isn't shy about shoving the violence up front (a torture scene is tough on the eyes). The performances can't be faulted either: Kingsley, although his usual dependable self, takes a generous back seat to the emerging talent of Jim Sturgess, who, after Across The Universe and 21, proves that he can handle tougher roles like these. He's backed up by Kevin Zegers, who brings a wild-eyed intensity to Martin's best mate, and host of solid character actors in believable supporting roles.

Review by Gavin Burke