Land And Freedom (tbc)

Ken Loach's `story from the Spanish Revolution' sees Ian Hart's Scouse communist turn up in '30s Spain to fight Franco's fascists. Occasionally didactic but always affecting, it's rich with love, friendship and surprisingly compelling scraps - - while Hart's mesmerising, gut-wrenching performance underlines the pity that this outstanding actor isn't granted lead roles more often.

DVD Extras:

""The process of betrayal has been a constant throughout the century"," says the director, damning free market capitalism in the lengthy Making Of Loach On Location. Puff piece it isn't, then - but it's not as po-faced as you might expect. Hart is endearing, the late screenwriter Jim Allen passionate (of fascists: ""the animals are back on the streets"") and you learn a lot about Loach from simply seeing his reactions while shooting explosive action scenes: he covers his ears. The commentary is less satisfying, with Loach measured and historian co-blabber Andy Durgan almost inaudible.

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