Watch Fifty Dead Men Walking

Fifty Dead Men Walking is a thrilling drama based on the real-life experiences of Martin McGartland, a former IRA informant who famously turned against his own people to help the British security forces. Directed by Kari Skogland and released in 2008, the film stars Ben Kingsley, Jim Sturgess, and Kevin Zegers in leading roles. Set in the streets of Northern Ireland at the height of the conflict between the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the British Army, Fifty Dead Men Walking follows the story of Martin McGartland (Jim Sturgess), a young man from a working-class family who is approached by a British agent (Ben Kingsley) and offered the chance to spy on the IRA. At first hesitant, Martin is soon convinced by the threat of violence against his family and the promise of money and a new life in London. He agrees to work as an informant, infiltrating the IRA and reporting back to his handler.

As Martin becomes more involved with the IRA, he finds himself torn between his loyalties to his own people and his duties to the British government. He faces constant danger as he tries to collect information on the IRA's plans and activities, often putting himself at risk of discovery and violent retribution. At the same time, he maintains his cover with his friends and family, never revealing his true allegiance.

Fifty Dead Men Walking is a gritty and realistic portrayal of life during the Troubles, accurately depicting the atmosphere of fear, violence, and tension that characterized Northern Ireland in the 1980s. The film is shot on location in Belfast and other parts of Northern Ireland, giving it a strong sense of authenticity and realism. The cinematography is dark and moody, adding to the overall feeling of danger and uncertainty.

The film's performances are outstanding, particularly that of Jim Sturgess as Martin McGartland. Sturgess brings a depth and complexity to his character, perfectly capturing the conflicting emotions of a man torn between two worlds. Ben Kingsley is also impressive as his handler, combining a ruthless determination with flashes of humanity and compassion. Kevin Zegers is solid in his role as Martin's friend and IRA member, Sean.

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Fifty Dead Men Walking is its exploration of loyalty and betrayal. Martin's decision to cooperate with the British government is not an easy one, and the film captures the moral ambiguity of his situation. He is not a hero in the traditional sense, but rather a man struggling to navigate a complex and dangerous world where even the slightest misstep can have deadly consequences. Martin's story is a powerful reminder of the difficult choices that people often have to make in times of war and conflict.

Overall, Fifty Dead Men Walking is a well-crafted and engaging film that offers a thoughtful and thought-provoking look at a dark chapter in Northern Ireland's history. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the Troubles, espionage, or the human experience in times of war.

Fifty Dead Men Walking is a 2009 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 57.