You should watch this film for the standout performance of Jim Sturgess.
Comment
04/17/09
Fifty Dead Men Walking (2009)
86
%
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work 
Reviews Counted:43
Fresh:37
Rotten:6
Average Rating:6.7/10
Consensus: Though somewhat uneven in places, Fifty Dead Men Walking is a gripping portrayal of Ireland's violent history, carried by the strong performances of its lead actors.
Rated: 15 [See Full Rating]
Genre: Dramas
Theatrical Release:10-04-2009
Synopsis: In the 1980s when the Irish civil conflict was at its most treacherous, 22 year old Martin McGartland was recruited by the British police to infiltrate and spy on the IRA. He lived his life under... [More]
Starring: Ben Kingsley, Jim Sturgess, Kevin Zegers, Rose McGowan
Director: Kari Skogland
Reviews for Fifty Dead Men Walking
Top CriticSolid but uneven, it's made watchable by the leading man's performance.
04/17/09
Sturgess is superb as the double-dealer, nailing the Ulster accent and conveying the self-disgust behind McGartland's cocky front; Kingsley too gives good value in one of his less showy roles.
04/17/09
It is Jim Sturgess who dominates with a charismatic performance that creates an empathy with McGartland as he journeys from arrogant hustler to vulnerable IRA insider crushed by the impossible demands of his double life.
04/17/09
It is Sturgess who dominates the film, though, showing us how an ordinary man can get involved in the messy, heartless business of informing, seemingly unaware of what might eventually transpire.
04/17/09
The harrowing true story of a man caught in an impossible situation, this film gives intriguing insight into the Troubles in Northern Ireland. But as a movie, it's a bit hard to grab onto.
04/17/09
The star here is Jim Sturgess as McGartland, generating sympathy, realism and likeability in very difficult situations. A must-see.
04/17/09
McGartland's work saved 50 lives, hence the title. Nowhere is mentioned how many lives he lost. The director's claim that he does not take sides has to be questioned.
04/09/09
Think Donnie Brasco, with the IRA instead of the Mafia. Jim Sturgess dominates with a star-making turn, although some stylistic slip-ups let him down a little.
04/09/09
Top CriticIts lack of political nous and cinematic ambition makes it seem small on the big screen.
04/09/09
Top CriticThis is an appalling scenario for a film that unspools with the ghastly enthusiasm of a Hollywood thriller. But Sturgess’s performance as the feckless hero is absolutely stunning.
04/09/09
Top CriticA well-meaning and inadvertently timely attempt to tackle the Troubles, whose thriller-toned accessibility occasionally trips over cine-clichés. Meanwhile, a confident, complex Sturgess makes his strongest impression yet.
04/09/09
Nothing new is said but everything said is shouted, as if to convince us that yesterday’s headlines are still today’s hot news.
04/09/09
Despite a strong performance from Sturgess, Fifty Dead Men Walking is ultimately let down by a lack of tension, an uneven script and the shocking miscasting of Rose McGowan.
04/09/09
Fifty Dead Men Walking is gripping, tense, nicely shot-and much more watchable than the "other" IRA movie Hunger.
04/09/09
Despite trying a little too hard to be cool and edgy, this is nevertheless an entertaining thriller with a decent twist.
09/14/09
One of the more absorbing and riveting portraits of The Troubles since 1993's In the Name of the Father.
09/11/09
Although the ranks of great IRA films are swelling rapidly this combination of political history and mystery suspense masterwork is one of the best.
08/28/09
Jim Sturgess makes a believable cocky lad who signs on for the con; an oddly bewigged Ben Kingsley is fussier and too actorly as his handler.
08/26/09
Conventional modes of representation hamper Fifty Dead Men Walking and its look at a subject that demands a fresher point of view.
08/26/09
Latest News for Fifty Dead Men Walking
August 20, 2009:
Critics Consensus: Inglourious Basterds is Certified Fresh!
This week at the movies, we've got Nazi killers (Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds, starring Brad Pitt), a magic rock (Shorts, starring William H. Macy and Leslie Mann),... More...
June 14, 2009:
Trailer & Poster review 
More...
More Movies
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie | Date |
|---|---|---|
| — | The Descent: Part 2 | 04/12 |
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
Fresh Links
Featured
RT on YouTube
Subscribe to RT's YouTube channel and don't miss a second of our cracking video content.
RT on Twitter
Follow Rotten Tomatoes and join us as we tweet about the week's releases.
IGN RSS Feeds