Fifty Dead Men Walking

Fifty Dead Men Walking

Year: 2009

Runtime: 117 min

Language: English

Director: Kari Skogland

DramaThriller

In the midst of 1980s Northern Ireland's tumultuous conflict, young Martin McGartland is drawn into a deadly game of cat-and-mouse as he becomes an undercover informant for the British police, embedded deep within the IRA. With his life constantly hanging in the balance, McGartland's bravery and wit are tested as he walks the thin line between loyalty and survival, inspired by a true story.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Fifty Dead Men Walking yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Fifty Dead Men Walking (2009)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Fifty Dead Men Walking (2009). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1980s

The 1980s in Northern Ireland were defined by escalating conflict and political strife, highlighted by the Troubles. During this period, the Irish Republican Army (IRA) engaged in violent campaigns for Irish unification, leading to a climate of fear and secrecy. The decade's tumultuous environment provides the ideal setting for the narrative, as characters navigate loyalty, betrayal, and survival.

Location

Northern Ireland, Scotland, Canada

The movie is set mainly in Northern Ireland during the 1980s, a time marked by significant political unrest and violence associated with the IRA. It explores the contrasts between urban settings engulfed in conflict and the quieter hopes of relocation to Scotland and Canada for safety. Northern Ireland is known for its rich history and deep-rooted political issues, which serve as a backdrop to the protagonist's harrowing experience.

🇮🇪 Northern Ireland 🇬🇧 Scotland 🇨🇦 Canada

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:06

Main Characters – Fifty Dead Men Walking (2009)
Meet the key characters of Fifty Dead Men Walking (2009), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Martin McGartland

Martin is a resourceful hustler thrust into the perilous world of espionage. Initially hesitant about the IRA’s actions, his desperation for financial gain leads him into a murky existence as a double agent. As he navigates the machinations of conflict, Martin evolves, gaining confidence while facing grave moral dilemmas and threats to his life.

🕵️ Doubt 🤝 Loyalty ⚖️ Morality

Lara

Lara is Martin's girlfriend, who begins to sense the danger and secrecy surrounding Martin’s activities. Her suspicion adds to the tension of the narrative, highlighting personal stakes against the backdrop of political upheaval. Lara embodies the emotional cost of the conflict, representing the loved ones left vulnerable amidst betrayals and hidden lives.

💔 Love 😨 Fear 🔍 Suspicion

Fergus

Fergus serves as Martin’s handler and ally in the British police. His character is crucial in providing Martin with the means to infiltrate the IRA while also representing the precarious balance of trust in their relationship. Fergus's willingness to take risks shows the complexities of loyalty in a world defined by espionage and conflict.

🤝 Alliance 🎭 Duality 🚨 Risk

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:06

Major Themes – Fifty Dead Men Walking (2009)
Explore the central themes of Fifty Dead Men Walking (2009), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️‍♂️ Deception

Deception is a central theme in the film, highlighting the dual lives led by individuals caught in the crossfire of conflict. Martin's role as a double agent illustrates the complexities of trust and betrayal, as he misleads the IRA while secretly working for British authorities. His choices reflect the moral ambiguity of survival in a high-stakes environment, raising questions about what lengths one would go to for safety.

❤️‍🔥 Sacrifice

Sacrifice permeates the narrative as characters grapple with difficult decisions for the sake of safety and love. Martin's choice to leave his girlfriend Lara behind reflects the profound costs of his double life. The theme underscores the emotional turmoil that arises when personal desires clash with the demands of survival in a dangerous world.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:06

Similar Movies to Fifty Dead Men Walking
Discover movies like Fifty Dead Men Walking that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.