Rent Land and Freedom (1995)

An important film well worth watching - Land and Freedom review by CP Customer

The Spanish Revolution (or Civil War) is an important historical event but, coming just before World War 2, it is often overlooked. This is a great historical record that attempts to be true to what actually happened. It is clearly largely based on Orwell's 'Homage to Catalonia' and as such makes clear the divisions on the Republican side between anarchists and the Russian backed communists, etc. It is good that this film was made and it is well worth watching if this is a subject that interests you. According to the critic Mark Kermode this is the best film that Ken Loach has made and I would tend to agree.

Spanish Civil War drama - Land and Freedom review by CP Customer

A really interesting film for people prepared to give a little thought to what they are watching. Traces the story of a bloke from Liverpool who dcides to join the alliance in their fight against facism. Superb acting and direction. You really get a feel for what it must have been like to actually do this.

A Contemporary Message - Land and Freedom review by CV

George Orwell, and I think, Ernest Hemmingway, volunteered themselves to back the Spanish Republican cause in this Spanish civil war and so I liked the viewpoint that this film took, emphasising that the issues of democracy were of international concern. This film was made in 1995 but the issues are of no less concern than they are now where our own democracy is threatened with authoritarian government. The film takes pains to bring out complications in the campaign where the POUM are dedicated to doing the war in their own way but are compromised by more professional Soviet-backed groups who have ulterior motives for being involved.

There is a great naturalistic feel where the director seems to let his actors "play the action out" in their own way and the dialogue is very naturalistic too with occasional stutterings and word-stumblings. The film is also a "play within a play" which also helps to apply the themes to our own day where a grandaughter finds the letters of pictures of her grandfather's interesting past.