50 Dead Men Walking (DVD)

50 Dead Men Walking, directed by Kari Skoland, may not be a masterpiece but it is a good political thriller. And it is based on a true story. The film is adapted from a book of the same name written by Martin Gartland and Nicholas Davies.

The story takes place in the late 1980s when Northern Ireland was on fire. Martin (Jim Sturgess)lives in West Belfast and is a Catholic. He knows a lot of IRA members and is sympathetic to the cause. But over time he becomes disillusioned with the violence. He is recruited by a British agent named Fergus (Ben Kingsley) to work undercover and help prevent people from dying. Martin does what he is told but things are not that simple. Along the way he falls for Lara (Natalie Press) and the two of them start a relationship and become parents.

The film is quite suspenseful. Although it is a little rough around the edges it is a good, solid film. It is also an anti-violence statement and it certainly makes a good case for people putting down their guns. Sturgess, Kingsley (despite a bad wig) and Rose McGowan are all good in their roles. But it is Press who steals the show as the loyal but frightened Lara (she has a Spirit Nomination to prove just how good she is). You will have to wait until the end to find out what happens to Martin but let us just say that life can be cruel and unfair.

I will say a few things about the DVD itself. Since the accents are thick I think that they should have supplied English subtitles. Also, when they introduce characters they have their names onscreen but the print should have been bigger. But even with the heavy accents you will know what is going on. So, yes, do rent this film because it is a good one.