50 Dead Men an intriguing film

Fifty Dead Men Walking is a gritty look at life in Northern Ireland through the 1980s and 90s that centres on the true story of Martin McGartland, a young man in Belfast struggling to survive the violent and bloody war between the Irish Republican Army, (IRA) and occupying British forces.

At 22, McGartland finds himself with few choices in life. As a Catholic in a Protestant neighbourhood he is virtually unemployable.

He sinks into a life of petty crime, rebelling against all authority.

He takes every opportunity to stir up trouble with the British, but also takes pains not to become too deeply involved with the IRA, for which he has little respect.

This all changes when he is picked up by the British for a minor offense and catches the eye of handlers in the British intelligence Anti-Terrorism Division.

The lure of easy cash and a car prove too much for McGartland, who is an expectant father, and he signs on to become a spy within the IRA.

From there the story follows McGartland’s rise in ranks within the IRA.

He carefully fosters relationships with high level officers and security officials, all the while reporting to his contact, Fergus (Ben Kingsley) at British headquarters.

This work is dangerous, and if found out McGartland would face torture and execution at the hands of his cohorts in the IRA.

However, the information he provides to the British is valuable and frequently saves lives.

Therein lies the title of the book and the movie, as it is estimated that at least 50 men are alive today due entirely to the efforts of McGartland and his partner Fergus.

As it is set in Ireland, the movie is at times difficult to understand. Thick Irish, British and Scottish accents make the dialog difficult to follow, often completely incomprehensible.

However, with that aside, it is an engaging film that warrants viewing. The war in Northern Ireland is fairly represented, with both sides being afforded equal attention.

Being a true story, it provides an accurate portrayal of what life was like in Belfast during those tumultuous years, and also allows the viewer to connect well with all the central characters.

It is heartbreaking to witness the deterioration of relationships and the impossible choices that both McGartland and Fergus face throughout the film.

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