Martin (JIm Sturgess) is a street hustler in Belfast, Ireland. The police get Martin to inflitrate the IRA and report
back to them. Martin becomes conflicted even though he tries to trust his handler Fregus (Ben Kingsley).
He gets sucked into the power of IRA as he rises through the ranks. Fergus is trying to protect Martin regardless
of the British government's plans.
50 DEAD MEN WALKING is based on a true story. It shows another part of the complicated story of the IRA and the struggle
in Northern Ireland between the British and IRA. 50 DEAD MEN WALKING is torwards the end of the conflict. I understand
the IRA's feelings, but I don't like their actions. Violence isn't an answer. Martin wanted to help save
his friends and family from a bloody conflict that had many victims. The IRA started out with noble goals only
to turn into terrorists. The film tells a story about a guy trying to survive in a conflict he doesn't like.
The film isn't a masterpiece, but the direction and acting help sell the story. Ben Kingsley can sell any chaarcter
he plays and jIm Sturgess is an actor that continues to do good work (whther the film is good or bad). I just wish they
could have written a better conclusion.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
An audio commentary is on the disc and the theatrical trailer. The deleted scenes includes bits cut for pacing
even though the walk by water scene is pretty cool looking. The behind-the-scenes footage reel is boring to watch and
could have been better if they cut it togetehr with interviews and audio commentary.
FINAL ANALYSIS: 50 DEAD MEN WALKING is worth a rental.
this DVD review is (c)1-12-2009 David Blackwell and cannot be reprinted without permission. send all comments to
lord_pragmagtic@hotmail.com
