Cast: Ben Kingsley, Jim Sturgess, Rose McGowan, Kevin Zegers, Nathalie Press, Nick Dunning, William Houston, Gavin O'Connor, Nathan Hughes, Kris Edlund
Director: Kari Skogland
Summary: Belfast hood Martin (Jim Sturgess) is recruited by a British agent (Ben Kingsley) to infiltrate the IRA during the height of the
Northern Irish conflict and quickly becomes embroiled in a dangerous game that could cost him his life if his secret is found out. As other informers are brutally murdered, Martin starts to look for a way out, but his handler urges him to stay undercover in this taut political thriller based on a true story.
My Thoughts: "This is a very well done film, with a great cast and script. Having it based on true events is what makes this story that much more compelling. Jim Sturgess, did a great job and held his own with Mr. Ben Kingsley, who without having to say it but I will, was brilliant. I love Kevin Zegers as well and thought he pulled off the Irish accent very well. It's a very gritty film and with the way it begins, it definitely catches you and holds to the end. You know it comes to a bloody ending from the beginning. So that was a smart way to hold the audiences attention til the end. The story is just sad on both sides. Being American, I don't have a full understanding of the Northern Irish conflict with the British. But I do know that, from the film, Martin McGartland, was just trying to save lives on both ends. He made a great sacrifice with not only his life, but of his families too. *SPOILER* The scene where he's sitting in the car and watching his girlfriend and son knowing it will be his last time seeing them, well that was just heartbreaking. *END OF SPOILER* It's definitely an interesting watch. So see it if you haven't."
April 7, 2010
Top Critic
