Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Brutal
- paranoid
- grim
- urgent
- historical thriller night
- political cinema marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film gripping and anchored by strong lead performances, while acknowledging uneven style and limited cinematic ambition.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Martin rises through the IRA while secretly passing intelligence to Fergus and the British police.
Martin's relationships with Lara, Sean, and his handlers are strained by his covert role and constant danger.
The film is based on Martin McGartland's account, which he later rejected as a fundamental misrepresentation of his career and motivations.
Martin navigates west Belfast's late-1980s paramilitary environment while attempting to save lives through collaboration with British intelligence.
Films like Fifty Dead Men Walking, and why
The Departed
shared political crime thriller framework, divided loyalties, and morally compromised undercover protagonist
The Lives of Others
shared espionage tension, institutional betrayal, and grounded historical conflict
The Wind That Shakes the Barley
shared paramilitary violence, political disillusionment, and grim period atmosphere
Donnie Brasco
shared undercover infiltration, dangerous double identity, and escalating paranoia
Movie Details
- Director
- Kari Skogland
- Release Date
- 2008-09-10
- Runtime
- 117 min
- Rating
- 6.3 / 10 (179)
Cast
- Ben Kingsley
- Jim Sturgess
- Kevin Zegers
- Natalie Press
- Rose McGowan
- Tom Collins
- William Houston
- Michael McElhatton
- Laura Hughes
- Gerard Jordan
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- IndiePix Unlimited Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Apple TV Store
- Buy
- Apple TV Store
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Fifty Dead Men Walking about?
- A young west Belfast man infiltrates the IRA for British intelligence, risking his life and loyalties to prevent further bloodshed.
- What is Fifty Dead Men Walking like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Fifty Dead Men Walking as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Fifty Dead Men Walking violent?
- Yes. Ember rates the violence in Fifty Dead Men Walking as brutal.
- What did critics think of Fifty Dead Men Walking?
- Critics broadly found the film gripping and anchored by strong lead performances, while acknowledging uneven style and limited cinematic ambition.
- Which films are like Fifty Dead Men Walking?
- Films with a similar feel include The Departed, The Lives of Others, The Wind That Shakes the Barley, and Donnie Brasco.
- How long is Fifty Dead Men Walking?
- Fifty Dead Men Walking runs 117 minutes.
- Where can I watch Fifty Dead Men Walking?
- In United States, Fifty Dead Men Walking streams on IndiePix Unlimited Amazon Channel.
