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Ian Hart, Rosana Pastor, Iciar Bollain, Tom Gilroy, Marc Martinez ... see more see more... , Frederic Pierrot , Angela Clarke , Rafael Díaz , Mandy Walsh , Dave Allen

A reflective look at an idealistic young man's involvement in the Spanish Civil War, Land and Freedom combines wartime drama with impassioned political debate. Director Ken Loach, better known for his... read more read more... intimate portraits of working-class British life, begins on familiar turf in the present day, with a teenage girl sorting through the belongings of her recently deceased grandfather. She soon discovers her grandfather's involvement in the Spanish Civil War, and the film then flashes back to the 1930s to tell the story of young Dave Carr, intensely portrayed by Ian Hart. A dedicated young communist, Carr joins an international group of freedom fighters in order to wage the good war against fascism. The experience proves far less heroic than expected, however, as the fighters struggle with poor supplies, a lack of training, and internal discord. The traditional battles and romances of war drama follow, as Carr becomes involved in a tumultuous affair with a fellow fighter, but Loach and screenwriter Jim Allen give equal weight to more philosophical discussions about the nature and fate of socialism. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi

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82% liked it

11 critics

Unrated, 1 hr. 46 min.

Directed by: Ken Loach

Release Date: March 15, 1996

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DVD Release Date: October 15, 1996

Stats: 312 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (312)

  • matertenebraum
    February 10, 2011
    matertenebraum
    It is, perhaps, surprising that more films about the Spanish Civil War haven't been made. The Spanish landscape, the sheer ruthlessness of any civil war, and the perceived Spanish emotions all combine to make what would appear to be an attractive proposition for a film-maker. The... read more names of Picasso and Lorca will forever have an association with the war, yet where are the artists representing cinema? All the more surprising then that it should have been British director Ken Loach who took up the cudgels. Loach is probably best known for his gritty portrayals of the British working class (and under-class), something that has, perhaps, made him more approachable outside his own country.

    In tackling the Spanish Civil War any writer is faced with the overwhelming complexities that underlie the events. The regionalism (think only of the Catalan and Basque regions, let alone Galicia and Andalusia), the monarchy, the Catholic Church, landowners, trade unions, anarchists plus the leaderships of the Nationalist and Republican movements all combined to create a very tangled web. Add to that outside involvement, principally from Mussolini and Stalin, the vacillation of Britain and France and, of course, the omnipresence of Hitler, and anyone might wonder where to start.

    Loach and Allen take their approach through the eyes of an unemployed Liverpudlian, David Carr (admirably played by Ian Hart) who, as a card-carrying member of the Communist Party, answers the call to fight for the Republic. We follow his exploits through a number of episodes, involving battles, falling in love, injury and, ultimately, a degree of disillusion as the reality of Stalin's views eventually come to dominate, and eventually destroy, his cause. The film is supremely well-made, highlighting the horrors, the camaraderie, and the political divisions. In particular, the debate amongst the militia about collectivisation after they have taken a small town takes no sides, but simply allows a number of valid arguments to be exposed within the context of the shifting sands of the war.

    There is still ample material for the industry to go on to make more films on this important period in history. But Loach has set the benchmark.
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  • hawkledge
    March 30, 2009
    hawkledge
    Complex portrait of events which otherwise have had very little film coverage, beautifully capturing the idealism of the protagonists, their diverging beliefs and attitudes, and the ultimate logistical barriers and strife.
  • MadrigalDream
    January 7, 2009
    MadrigalDream
    KEN LOACH, which I consider to be the greatest living filmmaker working today, creates films that delve into the conflicts of the Human Condition and Social Systems --- he's equally at home criticizing the Right or the Left for their demagogic diatribes and absence of logical act... read moreions. If Cinema with a Political Foundation scares you, don't even attempt to tackle him. However, if your mind's open enough his films may just be an epiphany.
  • christopherwiggins
    June 2, 2007
    christopherwiggins
    Communist film making to the core, but I love the style. The political debates between the characters are fascinating. This is a thinking man's "War Movie."

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Critic Reviews

Jeffrey M. Anderson
March 27, 2003
Jeffrey M. Anderson, San Francisco Examiner

One of Loach's best, with an outstanding centerpiece 'debate' scene.

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
August 27, 2002
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

Triumphs as an intelligent and riveting political drama about the Spanish Civil War. Full Review

Lisa Schwarzbaum
September 7, 2011
Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly

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March 26, 2009
Variety

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Caryn James
May 20, 2003
Caryn James, New York Times

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Kenneth Turan
February 14, 2001
Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times

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Hal Hinson
January 1, 2000
Hal Hinson, Washington Post

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Stanley Kauffmann
January 1, 2000
Stanley Kauffmann, New Republic

No review available.

James Berardinelli
January 1, 2000
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

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March 15, 1996
Entertainment Weekly

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  • ?Knights! The gift of freedom is yours by right. But the home we seek resides not in some distant land, it's in us, and in our actions on this day! If this be our destiny, then so be it. But let history remember, that as free men, we chose to make it so!?  Answer »
  • Who is the director behind movies such as 'Land and Freedom', The Wind That Shakes the Barley' and 'Bread and Roses'?  Answer »
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