Review of Land and Freedom (1995) by Simon D — 08 Feb 2010
An incredible accomplishment on the part of Ken Loach to weave together this complex international production. The multi-lingual debate in an assembly of villagers successfully liberated by the POUM militia is a testament to both Loach's masterful directing and the human dignity of the revolutionary Spanish peasants (some of the actual villagers "acted" in this scene).
The Stalinist/Communist betrayal of the anarchist CNT and Marxist POUM militias in their struggle against the fascist forces of Franco, Hitler and Mussolini is just as heartbreaking as George Orwell's account of events in Homage to Catalonia (Orwell fought with the POUM).
Possibly Loach's most important film. One of those rare pieces of cinema that's a must see.
This review of Land and Freedom (1995) was written by Simon D on 08 Feb 2010.
Land and Freedom has generally received positive reviews.
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