Fifty Dead Men Walking (2008)

Fifty Dead Men Walking Poster

It's 1989, and in a Belfast torn apart by conflict and terrorism, petty criminal Marty McGartland is recruited by the British police to infiltrate the IRA. Guided by Special Forces officer 'Fergus', McGartland gains unparalleled insight into the organisation's dealings, providing his British handler with priceless, life-saving information. Based on a true story.

Film Overview
"Fifty Dead Men Walking" is a 2008 British-Canadian spy thriller movie, directed by Kari Skogland. This dramatic account is motivated by the true-life events of Martin McGartland, a former IRA participation turned British informant. The title recommendations McGartland's assertion that his info conserved the lives of fifty potential victims of political violence.

Plot Summary
The movie, set between 1987-1991 during The Troubles in Northern Ireland, gives a detailed photo of the enthusiastic and violent struggle between Britain and the Irish Republican Army. It opens with Jim Sturgess starring as Martin McGartland, a street hustler from Belfast who is recruited by the British police handler, Fergus (Ben Kingsley) to penetrate and spy on the Irish Republican Army.

Martin, initially reluctant, is encouraged by Fergus to sign up with the IRA as a mole. He undergoes training and gains credibility within the IRA's ranks, therefore becoming a relied on member. Throughout the film, Martin comes to grips with the issue of betraying his individuals while also trying to avoid unnecessary loss of life.

His status as an undercover agent permits him to supply invaluable intelligence to the British cops about upcoming attacks and assassination efforts. This hard-gained information causes many lives being conserved, for this reason the title 'Fifty Dead Men Walking'.

Dispute and Resolution
As Martin continues both his work for the British and his life within the IRA, he constantly battles with the fear of discovery and mingled sensations of commitment and treachery. These clashed feelings are intensified when he begins a family with his girlfriend, Lara (Natalie Press), who has no knowledge of his double life.

The film reaches its climax when the IRA's suspicion of a mole in their midst grows. Martin's cover is blown after a stopped working assassination effort that was preemptively thwarted by the British due to details he supplied. Martin narrowly gets away death and goes on the run, leaving his family behind.

Effect and Conclusion
"Fifty Dead Men Walking" stands apart for its extreme representation of loyalty, betrayal, and difficulty during The Troubles. Sturgess provides a remarkable efficiency, portraying the internal struggles of Martin, captured between two adversarial forces. Kingsley also skillfully represents the character of Fergus, who is as similarly disturbed by the violence draped in the guise of political activity.

It isn't an attractive spy-thriller but a gritty, real-life narrative that highlights the costing sacrifice of espionage and the ethical dilemmas connected to it. The movie ends suddenly with Martin in hiding, suggesting his ceaseless running, also reflective of the genuine Martin McGartland's life, who till this day is thinking about a high-risk target by the IRA. "Fifty Dead Men Walking", although a tale of the late 20th century, substantially resonates in the current age, exploring themes of identity, nationalism, individual duty, and the blurred lines between ideal and incorrect during conflict.

Top Cast

  • Ben Kingsley (small)
    Ben Kingsley
    Fergus
  • Jim Sturgess (small)
    Jim Sturgess
    Martin
  • Kevin Zegers (small)
    Kevin Zegers
    Sean
  • Natalie Press (small)
    Natalie Press
    Lara
  • Rose McGowan (small)
    Rose McGowan
    Grace
  • Tom Collins
    Mikey
  • William Houston (small)
    William Houston
    Ray
  • Michael McElhatton (small)
    Michael McElhatton
    Robbie
  • Laura Hughes
    Mary
  • Gerard Jordan (small)
    Gerard Jordan
    Kieran
  • David Pearse (small)
    David Pearse
    Donovan